UK deploys Swedish Archer artillery ahead of future RCH-155 upgrade
Royal Artillery BAE Systems Bofors Archer 155mm/52 cal self-propelled artillery system will provide a limited interim indirect fire capability until the German RCH-155 system is deployed later this decade. This has been fitted with a Kongsberg RWS but not with a 12.7mm machine gun. (Photo: Christopher F. Foss)
Archer systems fitted with a Kongsberg remote weapon station and armed with a 12.7mm machine gun will be deployed by 14 Regiment, Royal Artillery.
The Royal Artillery (RA) had taken delivery of 14 BAE Systems Bofors Archer 155mm/52 cal self-propelled (SP) artillery systems, support vehicles and some 155mm ammunition under a government-to-government deal between Sweden and the UK.
These Archers will be deployed by 14 Regiment RA, based at the Royal School of Artillery, Larkhill, Wiltshire, but will only be sufficient to form two batteries each of six Archers plus two for training and reserve.
The Archers have been fitted with a Kongsberg remote weapon station (RWS) armed with a stabilised 12.7mm machine gun (MG). They will provide an interim capability until the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
![Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order]()
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
![Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded]()
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
![Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026]()
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
![US Army LTAMDS enters production phase]()
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
