British Army Now Takes Delivery of All 14 Archer 155mm Wheeled Howitzers.

The British Army has now taken delivery of all 14 Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers artillery, as reported by the "Forces" website. The final batch of 10 units arrived from Sweden, completing the order.
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The Archer 155mm self-propelled moving to a firing position during a training exercise in Sweden.  (Picture source: UK MoD)

The Archer howitzer, designed and built by BAE Systems Bofors, will address the gap in the Army's 155mm Close Support capability. This gap emerged after the UK donated 32 AS90 self-propelled guns to Ukraine's armed forces.

In January 2024, the British Secretary of State for Defence announced the grant-in-kind of 32 AS90 self-propelled guns to Ukraine, which led to the identified shortfall in the Army’s artillery capabilities.

To address this, a contract for the Archer howitzers was signed in March 2023 between the UK and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). This government-to-government sale was swiftly arranged to meet the urgent needs of the British Army following the donation of the AS90 howitzers to Ukraine.

The Archer Howitzer, officially known as the Archer Artillery System, is a self-propelled gun system developed by BAE Systems Bofors in Sweden. It is designed to provide highly mobile, accurate, and rapid artillery support, primarily for indirect fire support for ground forces. The Archer concept was developed in the early 2000s, with the first prototype completed in 2005, and full production starting in the 2010s.

The Archer Howitzer features a 155mm caliber gun with a barrel length of 52 calibers, equivalent to 8 meters. It is compatible with a wide range of NATO-standard 155mm ammunition, including high-explosive (HE) rounds, SMArt 155, Excalibur, and BONUS rounds. The system has a high degree of automation and can carry up to 21 rounds of ammunition, allowing for quick and efficient firing operations.

One of the standout features of the Archer system is its mobility. It is mounted on a modified Volvo A30D 6x6 articulated all-terrain vehicle, providing excellent off-road capability and a high degree of maneuverability. This mobility is crucial for modern warfare, where rapid deployment and repositioning can significantly impact battlefield effectiveness.

The Archer system is also notable for its advanced fire control and automation systems. It can be operated by a minimal crew, typically three soldiers, and features automated loading and firing mechanisms. This allows for a high rate of fire, with the ability to fire 8 rounds per minute. Additionally, the Archer can be ready to fire within 30 seconds of stopping and can move again within 30 seconds of firing its last round, making it highly effective in shoot-and-scoot operations to avoid counter-battery fire.

In terms of protection, the Archer vehicle is equipped with armor that provides protection against small arms fire and shell splinters, ensuring the safety of its crew in combat situations. The cabin is also protected with a CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) filtration system, enhancing its survivability in various threat environments.

Overall, the Archer Howitzer represents a significant advancement in artillery technology, combining high mobility, rapid fire capabilities, and advanced automation to provide effective and flexible fire support for modern military operations.