UK Army Acquires Swedish Archer to Replace Artillery Sent to Ukraine

By Julian Nettlefold,

On 27 January 2020, the United Kingdom released the key user requirements for its Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) programme to procure a new 155 mm self-propelled artillery system. These requirements indicated a shift in some of the programme’s targets compared to earlier indications. Artillery is a particular area of concern for NATO members as it is widely acknowledged that Russia holds a distinct advantage.

The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated that massed artillery can still have a devastating effect even on armoured formations, with one of the most famous examples being the 2014 Zelenopillya attack, which destroyed a Ukrainian mechanised column including tanks. In this context, the UK’s current fleet of AS90 self-propelled artillery is beginning to show its age. 

However, the requirements recently released by the UK’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) agency appear to be significantly less ambitious than an initial request for information (RFI) from industry that was issued in April 2019. Responses from industry to the RFI have likely resulted in the moderation of some of the programme’s more technically demanding objectives, with two in particular – range and rate of fire – standing out. However, given the donation of the ageing AS-90 fleet to Ukraine, the MoD issued an RFP for an Interim MFP solution. The AS-90 self-propelled howitzer was first introduced into service in the early 1990s. Initially, the British Army operated 179 systems, however by 2017, this had been reduced to 110, reflecting a lack of significant upgrades to the UK’s AS-90s. MFP Interim Award On March 16th 2023 the British Army announced a new artillery deal with Sweden. 

The British Army will receive modern artillery platforms to replace those supplied to Ukraine, as part of an agreement struck with Sweden. The first 14 Archer artillery systems will have ownership transferred to the British Army this month and be fully operational by next April, forming an interim replacement for the 32 AS90 artillery systems the UK gifted to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Designed and built by BAE Systems Bofors in Sweden, Archer has double the maximum range of AS90, greater operational mobility, greater availability and reduced time into action. Operated by 3-4 crew, it has a lower requirement for personnel than the AS90’s five, and benefits from a higher top speed of 70kph compared to the current 53kph. Archer 6×6 boasts a fully automated, self-propelled 155mm howitzer gun designed for rapid deployment, with a firing range of 50km using extended range ammunition – a doubling of the AS90’s 25km range. 

For a sense of distance, the AS90 could fire from Central London to the M25, whereas Archer is capable of reaching the distance of Sandhurst in Berkshire. Loading and firing of Archer is handled from inside the armoured cabin, with the unit able to be deployed into action in just 20 seconds and is ready to move after firing in the same amount of time. Archer can fire a number of types of 155mm artillery ammunition, including extended range and precision anti-armour shells. It can also fire eight rounds a minute and four rounds in a simultaneous impact-mode, meaning several shells are fired in succession with different trajectories so they hit the same target at the same time. 

Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said, “While continuing to double-down on our unwavering support for Ukraine, it’s imperative we simultaneously replenish our capabilities at home. Archer artillery systems are powerful, protective and can be rapidly deployed. This agreement with a close European ally will sustain the British Army’s requirements until the longer-term Mobile Fires Platform comes into service – a programme we are working hard to accelerate. The purchase of the Archers from Sweden enables the UK to quickly replace AS90 until the longterm Mobile Fires Platform delivers later this decade as part of the Future Soldier modernisation programme. Archer will contribute to the Close Support capability as part of our commitment to NATO.” 

Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith Deputy Chief of the General Staff said, “Archer is a potent, modern artillery system procured at a speed previously unseen in Defence. Today’s agreement took only eight weeks to secure and the guns will be in service with the British Army by next Spring. Archer fires further and faster than any artillery system previously in service with the British Army – it is a step change in capability and fills a gap left by UK support to Ukraine. It will provide a bridge to the next generation of artillery systems, the procurement of which is being accelerated to speed up modernisation.