BAE Systems, Babcock, and Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) are joining forces to offer the ARCHER wheeled mobile artillery system to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) as the replacement for the legacy AS90.

The so-called ARCHER Artillery Alliance will offer the proven, advanced technology system, which presents the lowest risk solution for the Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) program, as the UK aims to modernize its 155 mm projectile firing capabilities. The three companies, each with a well-established supply chain in the UK, plan to work with other UK businesses as plans progress.

The ARCHER, already in service with the British Army as its interim solution, is considered to be the proper base for a solution that would allow the British Army to significantly accelerate the delivery of the Mobile Fires Platform program. The aim is to deliver a long-term homegrown artillery solution for the UK, which will safeguard, sustain, and grow a critical, specialized British industrial capability and an opportunity for exports, according to BAE Systems Weapon Systems UK.

BAE Systems will provide and integrate the weapon system, including the barrel, as well as the gun control system. In addition, it will set up and manage the Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) facility. Babcock International Group will hold responsibility for the consolidation of the superstructure and ammunition resupply system.

RBSL will be the lead for the RMMV HX 8X8-type truck chassis and prepare the cabin for integration with the ARCHER artillery system.

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BAE Systems, which recently secured a contract for an additional 48 ARCHER systems for the Swedish Army, plans to transfer technology from its existing production line in Sweden to the UK to establish a UK-based production line. 

The work and its supply chain would create more than 350 new high-skilled jobs in the UK. Also, as part of the bid, BAE Systems plans to use its expertise in Sweden and the UK to re-establish sovereign barrel manufacturing in the UK, which would provide an opportunity to generate operational independence and security of supply through an indigenous artillery manufacturing solution.

ARCHER is a fully automated system, purpose-built to keep pace with fast-moving land forces. It is designed for rapid deployment to quickly respond to threats and deliver superior mobility, lethality, and survivability. Operators control the entire gun system from the safety of ARCHER’s armored cabin. 

In only 20 seconds, the vehicle can stop and fire its first round. After completion of the fire mission, ARCHER is on the move again within 20 seconds. In less than two minutes, ARCHER can fire six rounds, and move 500 meters, making the system a shoot-and-scoot system for soldier and platform survivability.

As well as being selected by Sweden and as the UK’s interim solution, Switzerland recently down-selected ARCHER for the country’s procurement of new artillery. Sweden has also donated a number of systems for use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

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