British Army Conducts First Live Firing with New Archer Self-Propelled Howitzer in Real Combat Conditions.

The British Army has conducted its first live firing of the Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer in real combat conditions at Exercise Dynamic Front 2024, held at the Rovajärvi Training Area in Rovaniemi, Finland. The 19th Regiment Royal Artillery fired the Archer for the first time in a tactical setting, marking a major milestone in the integration of this advanced artillery system into the British Army's arsenal. This live fire exercise demonstrates the Army's commitment to enhancing its fire support capabilities in line with NATO's strategic goals.
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British Army personnel conduct live firing in real combat conditions of the Archer 155mm self-propelled howitzer during Exercise Dynamic Front 2024 in Finland. (Picture source: British MoD)

The Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers are part of a comprehensive modernization effort by the British Army. In 2019, the UK Ministry of Defence placed an order with BAE Systems Hägglunds for a total of 24 Archer units, and the first systems were delivered later that year. After extensive testing, including live-fire trials and integration with the British Army’s command systems, the Archer entered service in 2020. The acquisition was made to replace older platforms like the AS90 tracked self-propelled howitzer, offering enhanced mobility, firepower, and advanced technology. Along with the Archer systems, the contract also includes long-term support and maintenance, ensuring operational effectiveness for years to come.

In July 2024, the British Army achieved a key milestone by accepting all 14 Archer self-propelled howitzers, significantly bolstering its 155mm Close Support artillery capability. The final 10 units were delivered from Sweden and swiftly integrated into the British artillery arsenal, filling a gap left by the transfer of 32 AS90 systems to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This acquisition provides the British Army with a powerful artillery solution as an interim measure until the development of the Remote Controlled Howitzer system.

As part of the Archer contract, the British Army also benefits from ongoing training and technical support, helping to seamlessly integrate the artillery system into the British Army’s command structure. By participating in multinational exercises like Dynamic Front, the UK strengthens its relationship with NATO partners and demonstrates the Archer’s readiness for rapid deployment in any operational environment.

Exercise Dynamic Front, one of NATO’s most important joint artillery exercises, involves more than 5,000 soldiers from 28 nations, with over 250 British Army personnel participating this year. The 19th Regiment Royal Artillery is leading the exercise’s artillery operations, firing the Archer 155mm howitzer in live-fire scenarios to test its performance under real combat conditions. Additionally, the British Army's 5th Regiment Royal Artillery is utilizing the new Taipan radar system for the first time, further enhancing the precision of artillery targeting and support operations.

The Archer self-propelled howitzer is a state-of-the-art system designed by Sweden's Bofors Defence, offering unmatched performance and flexibility. Equipped with a 155mm L52 howitzer, the Archer can fire NATO-standard 155mm rounds, providing essential fire support for both offensive and defensive operations. The system is compatible with a wide variety of ammunition, including high-explosive, guided shells, and extended-range projectiles, offering superior versatility.

One of the Archer’s most significant features is its automated loading system, which enables the vehicle to achieve a rapid firing rate of up to 8 rounds per minute, with a burst rate of 16 rounds within two minutes. This automated system not only reduces crew workload but also enhances operational efficiency, allowing for a higher volume of fire to be delivered in a short time frame. This makes the Archer highly effective in suppression and precision strike missions.

Mounted on a Volvo A30D all-terrain chassis, the Archer offers exceptional mobility, even in challenging terrain. This mobility ensures that the howitzer can quickly relocate and reposition on the battlefield, avoiding counter-battery fire and adapting to rapidly changing battlefield conditions. Its ability to move quickly and provide fire support on the move is a crucial advantage in modern warfare.

In terms of precision, the Archer incorporates an advanced integrated fire control system that allows for rapid target engagement with minimal input from the crew. The system processes data from various sources, such as forward observers and reconnaissance assets, to deliver accurate and effective fire support. Additionally, the Archer can launch precision-guided munitions (PGMs) like the BONUS anti-tank shell, enhancing its effectiveness against armored targets.

With a range of up to 30 kilometers for standard high-explosive rounds and up to 50 kilometers for extended-range projectiles, the Archer provides significant standoff capability, allowing it to engage targets at a safe distance. This range, combined with its rapid rate of fire and pinpoint accuracy, makes the Archer a formidable asset for modern artillery units.

The Archer also prioritizes crew safety, featuring an armored cabin that minimizes exposure to threats. The automated loading system reduces human error, enhancing the overall efficiency of operations. The Archer's adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of missions, from traditional fire support to peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts, underlining its value as a versatile and strategic asset for the British Army and NATO forces.

The successful live-fire test of the Archer self-propelled howitzer during Exercise Dynamic Front 2024 marks a pivotal moment in the British Army's artillery capabilities. With its combination of advanced automation, mobility, and precision, the Archer offers significant improvements over older systems, providing a powerful and flexible solution for modern artillery operations. The integration of the Archer into the British Army’s arsenal not only strengthens the UK's defense capabilities but also enhances NATO's collective firepower. As the British Army continues to modernize its artillery units, the Archer will play a critical role in meeting the evolving demands of future military conflicts.