British Army Carries Out First Operational Use of Archer 155 mm Howitzers in Live-Fire in Estonia.

In this video, we present the first operational use of the British Army’s Archer 155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers, filmed during a live-fire exercise held in Estonia in July 2025. This event took place under the command of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroup in Estonia, marking the first time the system has been used in live operations since entering British Army service. The footage highlights not only the firing sequences but also the operational context in which these systems are deployed, offering a clear view of their role within NATO’s forward defence posture.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

 By conducting firing missions in Estonia’s varied terrain and within the framework of a multinational battlegroup, the Royal Artillery crews tested mobility, accuracy, and coordination under realistic conditions

The live-fire took place in the framework of NATO’s eFP battlegroup deployed in Estonia, a multinational formation established in response to growing security concerns in Eastern Europe following the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and subsequent destabilisation efforts by the Russian Federation. The decision to deploy battlegroups to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland was taken at the NATO Warsaw Summit in July 2016, forming part of a broader deterrence and defence strategy.

The Estonia-based eFP battlegroup officially began its mission in early 2017. It is led by the United Kingdom, which provides a battalion-sized contingent comprising armoured infantry, artillery, engineers, and logistics units. These forces operate in close integration with the Estonian Defence Forces and are regularly augmented by rotating allied contributions from France, Denmark, and Iceland. The battlegroup’s mission is to project a credible defensive capability, designed for rapid reaction and integration into host-nation defence plans in case of crisis.

The arrival of the Archer system in Estonia represents a direct outcome of the British Army’s modernisation process and an accelerated procurement decision. In March 2023, the UK Ministry of Defence awarded BAE Systems Bofors in Sweden a £140 million contract for 14 Archer 155 mm/L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzers. The acquisition also covered associated support equipment, logistical arrangements, and crew training. The purchase was conducted under a rapid timeline to replace the AS90 tracked howitzers, 32 of which were transferred to Ukraine as part of the UK’s military aid. Deliveries were completed in 2024, enabling the Royal Artillery to integrate the systems in time for their first operational deployment with NATO forces.

The Archer system is mounted on a Volvo 6x6 all-terrain truck chassis, offering both mobility and protection. Operated by a crew of three to four soldiers from an armoured, NBC-protected cabin, it features a fully automated loading and firing process. The system is capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 35 km with conventional ammunition and over 50 km with extended-range precision-guided munitions. Its automation enables rapid “shoot-and-scoot” tactics, allowing the crew to fire and reposition within 30 seconds to avoid counter-battery threats.

During the July 2025 exercise, Archer systems were integrated into coordinated fire missions with NATO forward observers and joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs). These missions included the use of multinational intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets to identify and confirm targets. The exercise demonstrated the system’s ability to deliver precision fire in synchronisation with allied units, reinforcing interoperability within NATO command structures.

The live-fire event served as both a capability demonstration and an operational validation. By conducting firing missions in Estonia’s varied terrain and within the framework of a multinational battlegroup, the Royal Artillery crews tested mobility, accuracy, and coordination under realistic conditions. This deployment also provided opportunities to refine logistical support chains for forward-deployed artillery systems, including ammunition resupply and maintenance in a multinational environment.

From a strategic perspective, the operational debut of the Archer in Estonia enhances the fire support capabilities of NATO’s forward presence in the Baltic region. It aligns with the British Army’s ongoing shift toward more mobile, digitally connected, and deployable artillery systems. In the context of continued instability in Eastern Europe and the proximity of NATO’s eastern flank to potential flashpoints, the ability to deliver rapid, accurate, and sustained firepower is a key element in reinforcing deterrence.

The Archer’s combination of range, mobility, and automation makes it a valuable asset for dispersed operations, allowing artillery units to remain survivable while delivering effective support to manoeuvre forces. Its integration into the eFP battlegroup also underlines the adaptability of NATO’s posture, ensuring that forward-deployed forces can operate with modern equipment in coordination with allied partners.