Archer: First of Army's next-gen wheeled artillery system arrives in Britain

The first example of the British Army's next generation of wheeled artillery systems, the Archer Mobile Howitzer 6x6 gun, has arrived in the UK.

A gap had been created in the Army's 155mm Close Support capability after the UK gifted 32 AS90 self-propelled guns to the armed forces of Ukraine.

The UK then struck an artillery deal with Sweden, which will see it employed as an interim solution following the donation of the AS90s to Ukraine.

• The self-loading, rapid-fire Archer Artillery System's a game changer in battle
• UK buys Archer Artillery System from Sweden to replace kit sent to Ukraine
• UK and Sweden sign agreement on self-propelled Archer guns

According to the Army, this gap needed to be bridged "in order to meet the UK's commitment to the Nato New Force Model, resulting in the MOD procurement of an interim solution via a rapid in-year government-to-government acquisition with Sweden".

Colonel Stuart Nasse, the assistant head of Military Capability Delivery, said: "It is one of the fastest procurements of a complex system that's ever been conducted through necessity.

"We had an intolerable gap which needed to be closed, and we were fortunate our Swedish allies had an opportunity for us to purchase some of the Archer artillery system.

"That meant we could move quickly, to seize the opportunity and buy the new capability."

The purchase includes logistic support containers, an initial ammunition suite, a training package and an initial support package.

DE&S, which negotiates and manages defence contracts on behalf of the UK Armed Forces, will run tests and trials with the Archer Project Team.

This is to ensure it is fully compliant with UK legislation and provide a smooth start into the field army.

Designed and built by BAE Systems Bofors in Sweden, the Army says a further four will arrive in the UK by the end of the year and the balance by spring 2024.

The Archer

The Archer Artillery System is in a class of its own with its ability to move and fire before an enemy can react.

Its simplicity and impressive rate of fire make it a formidable opponent in battle.

Armed with an automatic-loading 155mm gun, the system can be deployed, fire, and move off at speed, making it difficult for enemy forces to detect its location after it fires.

With a range of 50km, when loaded with Excalibur-guided extended-range artillery projectiles, and the ability to fire three high-powered rounds within 40 seconds, the Archer can demonstrate its effectiveness with its superior mobility, deployment speed, firepower and its three-person crew protection – although it can be operated by one person if required.

During testing, the system could be made ready to fire within 14 seconds, could fire its first round after 23 seconds, launch its second round at 32 seconds and fire its third round after 40 seconds.