Breaking News: First Operational Deployment of British Army’s New Archer 155mm Howitzer During NATO Exercise.

On May 14, 2025, the British Ministry of Defence announced the first operational deployment of its newly acquired Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers during Exercise Hedgehog 2025 in Estonia. This landmark event marks the debut of the Archer system in active field operations with the British Army, representing a major step in the UK's artillery modernization program. The deployment, part of a large-scale multinational exercise running from May 9 to May 24, 2025, underscores the United Kingdom’s growing commitment to NATO's eastern flank and highlights the rapid integration of advanced artillery capabilities into frontline service.
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British Army Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer, seen here deployed on exercise Hedgehog in Estonia.  (Picture source: British MoD)

The Archer artillery system’s involvement was visually confirmed through official images showing the British Army using the platform in live training scenarios. Exercise Hedgehog 2025 is a component of the UK’s Op Razoredge deployment series and functions as a Forward Land Force (FLF) mission rehearsal. Led by the UK’s 4th Light Brigade Combat Team (The Black Rats), the exercise facilitates operational integration with the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF), the Estonian Defence League (EDL), and multiple NATO and partner forces. It provides a critical opportunity to test rapid deployment, joint operations, and deterrence strategies amid growing regional tensions.

The deployment of Archer is the culmination of an expedited procurement process that began in early 2023. In response to the donation of 32 AS90 tracked self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, the UK signed a contract in March 2023 for the acquisition of 14 Archer artillery systems from BAE Systems Bofors of Sweden. By October 2023, the first units had arrived in the UK, achieving delivery in just six months, one of the fastest complex system procurements in British military history. The decision to transition from the older AS90 platform to the Archer system was driven by both strategic necessity and technological evolution.

The British Ministry of Defence’s decision to transition from the legacy AS90 self-propelled howitzer to the modern Archer artillery system reflects both a strategic modernization initiative and a response to evolving battlefield requirements. This change is driven by the need for greater mobility, survivability, and precision firepower in contemporary and future combat environments.

The AS90, introduced into service in the early 1990s, had served as the backbone of British artillery for decades. However, despite several upgrades over the years, the system had reached the limits of its technological and operational relevance. Its tracked chassis, while robust, was slower and less suited to the rapid deployment requirements of modern expeditionary and NATO-aligned operations. The manually loaded gun system and older fire control technology also lagged behind the capabilities of more recent artillery platforms.

The situation was further accelerated by the UK's decision in early 2023 to donate 32 AS90 units to Ukraine to support its defense against Russia. This donation created an immediate gap in the British Army’s self-propelled artillery capabilities, necessitating a rapid procurement solution. The Archer system, available from Sweden’s BAE Systems Bofors, presented a mature, field-proven, and ready-to-deploy alternative that aligned with NATO interoperability standards.

The Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer represents a next-generation system built for mobility, automation, and survivability. It is mounted on a 6x6 Volvo chassis and features a fully automated 155mm L52 gun-howitzer. It can engage targets within 30 seconds of receiving a fire order, deliver six rounds in under a minute, and immediately relocate to avoid enemy counter-battery fire. This shoot-and-scoot capability marks a significant operational improvement over the AS90, which had slower response times and required more exposure of the crew.

Archer can fire precision-guided munitions such as the M982 Excalibur, reaching targets over 50 kilometers away with pinpoint accuracy. The AS90, while still capable, was limited to conventional munitions and had a shorter effective range of under 30 kilometers. Archer’s advanced digital fire control systems, built to NATO standards, allow seamless integration with allied command networks and fire support coordination centers, a critical asset in multinational operations.

Its armored cabin enables the entire operation—from targeting to firing—to be conducted from within, enhancing crew protection. The automated loading and firing systems reduce the physical workload and manpower requirements, allowing Archer to be effectively operated by a crew of just 3-4 soldiers. In contrast, the AS90 required more manual input and a larger crew, limiting operational sustainability.

By adopting Archer, the UK joins other NATO members like Sweden and Norway who already field the system, promoting greater interoperability and logistical efficiency within the alliance. This strategic alignment enhances joint mission capabilities, particularly on NATO’s eastern front, where rapid deployment and high survivability are paramount.

This exercise not only serves as a trial by fire for the Archer’s capabilities in a NATO-integrated environment but also strengthens the UK’s role as a key artillery provider within the alliance. The British Army is now better equipped to provide rapid, precise, and integrated fire support across the alliance, particularly in forward positions such as the Baltic states.

The successful introduction of the Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer into operational service during Exercise Hedgehog 2025 marks a transformative moment in the evolution of British artillery. It reflects a broader transformation in the British Army towards more agile, precise, and digitally connected force structures. As Europe faces an increasingly volatile security landscape, the UK's investment in systems like Archer demonstrates a firm commitment to maintaining a modern, capable, and responsive force ready to meet the challenges of 21st-century warfare.