Defence in Brief: Archer howitzers ordered for Ukraine

Sweden has ordered 18 Archer howitzers for Ukraine, according to a 9th April press release from BAE Systems. The order follows the announcement of a large SEK3 billion (€273 million) funding package aimed at improving Ukraine’s artillery capabilities through the new howitzers and five Arthur counter-battery radars. 

The package also includes a donation to the Danish initiative, which works by procuring new equipment from Ukraine’s own domestic defence industry, including systems like the Bogdana self-propelled howitzer. 

This order will bring the total number of Archers in Ukrainian service up to 25 marking a significant increase over the eight originally donated. Deliveries are expected from 2026, with the Arthur radars to start delivery in 2025. A contract has also been signed with a British company to provide maintenance and repair services for the eight Archers originally delivered to Ukraine. However, despite the system’s efficacy on the frontline, its use remains limited by the availability of ammunition, meaning the gun is often reserved for only high priority targets like Russian howitzers and command posts. 

Calibre comment

The Archer howitzers have proven to be a capable system in Ukraine, its long range and ability to use a variety of ammunition like the BONUS anti-armour round mean that it is able to rapidly degrade Russian advances whilst keeping out of reach of a lot of Russia’s primary strike systems. Ukrainian operators have indicated that the automation and rapid into- and out-of action times are a significant advantage of the Archer howitzer. It can receive targeting data whilst driving, which is entered into the fire control system allowing the gun to come into action and fire within 30 seconds of stopping. The system has been used intensively, with one Ukrainian gunner reporting that he had fired 192 rounds in a single day, and its mobility has made it difficult for Russian units to track and engage. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on 11th April, 2025.