The British Army announces a new artillery deal with Sweden
The British Army announces a new artillery deal with Sweden.
The British Army will receive modern artillery platforms to replace those supplied to Ukraine, as part of the deal struck with Sweden.
The Army will replace the AS90 provided to Ukraine with the new Archer heavy artillery gun Improved rapid procurement of the Armys artillery capabilities, ahead of a long term artillery program
The vehicle can spring into action within 20 seconds and reach the target simultaneously.
The first 14 Archer artillery systems will be transferred to the British Army this month and will be fully operational in April, forming a temporary replacement for the 32 AS90 artillery systems that the UK is providing to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Designed and built by BAE Systems Bofors in Sweden, the Archer has double the AS90s maximum range, greater operational mobility, greater availability and reduced time to action. Operated by a crew of 34, it has lower personnel requirements than the five AS90s, and benefits from a top speed of 70kph compared to the current 53kph.
The Archer 6x6 offers an automatic self propelled 155mm howitzer designed for rapid deployment, with a firing range of 50km using long range ammunition, double the 25km range of the AS90. For range, the AS90 can fire from Central London to the M25, while the Archer is able to reach Sandhurst range in Berkshire.
Archer loading and firing is handled from inside the armored cab, with the unit deployable in just 20 seconds and ready to move after firing the same time.
The Archer can fire a number of types of 155mm artillery ammunition, including long range and precision anti armor rounds. It can also fire eight rounds per minute and four rounds in simultaneous impact mode, meaning several bullets are fired in succession with different trajectories so that they hit the same target at the same time.
While continuing to double down on our unwavering support for Ukraine, it is important that we simultaneously replenish our capabilities at home.
The archers artillery system is powerful, protective and can be deployed quickly. This agreement with a close European ally will sustain British Army requirements until the long term Mobile Fire Platform becomes operational, a program we are working to accelerate.
The purchase of the Archers from Sweden allows the UK to quickly replace the AS90 until the long term Mobile Fire Platform is delivered later this decade as part of the Future Soldier modernization programme.