The British Army has officially retired its AS90 155 mm self-propelled howitzers, marking the end of an era for a system that served since the early 1990s. This decision follows the UK's donation of 32 AS90 units to Ukraine in 2023, supporting Kyiv's defense efforts against russian aggression.
To address the resulting capability gap, the UK has procured 14 Archer artillery systems from Sweden as an interim solution. Designed by BAE Systems Bofors, the Archer system offers significant advancements over the AS90 vehicles, including a doubled firing range of up to 50 km with extended-range ammunition, enhanced mobility with a top speed of 70 kph, and a reduced crew requirement of three to four personnel.
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The Archer system's rapid deployment capability, allowing to open fire within 20 seconds and relocate just as swiftly, enhances its survivability on the modern battlefield. Its fully automated loading system increases the rate of fire, and enables the Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact capability where multiple shells fired in quick succession reach the target at the same time.
This transition is part of the UK's broader effort to modernize its artillery capabilities, with the long-term Mobile Fires Platform program aiming to deliver a new artillery system by the end of the decade.
The Archer systems will serve as a bridge until the new platform becomes operational, ensuring the British Army maintains its artillery effectiveness during this period of transformation.
Read more: Britain Sends More AS90 Artillery to Ukraine, What’s Special About It
