The UK MoD, on 16 March, announced the British Army would receive 14 Archer artillery systems this month to replace AS90 guns donated to Ukraine under a deal with Sweden.
Shephard understands the UK is also exploring the potential of subsequent purchases from Sweden.
According to the MoD, the guns will be operational by next April.
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UK set to acquire Archer for interim artillery requirement
Shephard exclusively reported on 13 March that an announcement of the deal to equip the British Army with the BAE Systems Bofors-built guns was soon to be announced.
When delivered, these will provide the Royal Artillery (RA) with an interim capability alongside its remaining AS90 guns until the UK procures a new system under the accelerated Mobile Fires Platform project.
The Archers will come from Swedish Army stocks and use a Volvo 6x6 all-terrain chassis.
Archer requires a crew of three to four operators, less than that needed to operate an AS90.
The wheeled system can also reach 70km/h, compared to the AS90's 53km/h.
The British Army has likely opted for mobility over protection due to lessons from the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Archer features a fully automated, self-propelled 155mm gun with a firing range of 50km using extended-range ammunition – double that of the AS90.
Archer is also a contender for MFP, with a spokesperson for BAE Systems previously confirming to Shephard that the SPH had been offered for that programme.
Other contenders for MFP include Team Thunder – offering the K9A2 SPH, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann with its Boxer RCH155, France's Nexter with Caesar and Rheinmetall with an HX3 truck-based system.
FH77 BW L52 Archer
AS90
Archer