British Army Fires Archer 155mm Howitzers for the First Time in Estonia

In July 2025, the British Army achieved a major operational milestone by conducting the first live-fire exercise of its Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers during a NATO mission in Estonia. This marks the first time the UK has employed the Archer artillery system in a live operation, showcasing its readiness and capability under real battlefield conditions.

The firing took place under the command of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group Estonia, a multinational force based in the Baltic region to deter potential threats from Russia. The UK's contribution of advanced artillery systems like the Archer is part of NATO’s broader effort to modernize firepower and reinforce its eastern frontier.

The Archer system, developed by BAE Systems Bofors in Sweden, was chosen by the UK in 2023 to replace its aging AS90 tracked howitzers, which were donated to Ukraine. The £140 million deal included 14 Archer units, along with supporting logistics, equipment, and training. The systems were delivered in 2024 and are now operated by Royal Artillery units fully integrated into NATO structures.

What makes the Archer 155mm howitzer stand out is its combination of mobility, speed, and precision. Mounted on a 6x6 Volvo truck chassis, the system can fire at targets over 35 km away with conventional ammunition, and beyond 50 km with extended-range precision-guided munitions. Its fully automated firing process, operated from an armored cabin, allows it to shoot and relocate in under 30 seconds, making it one of the fastest “shoot-and-scoot” systems in NATO’s arsenal.

During the exercise in Estonia, British Archer systems coordinated with NATO forward observers and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), demonstrating seamless integration with allied surveillance and targeting systems. This training confirmed the system’s battlefield readiness and its role in delivering precision strikes in high-threat environments.

The deployment comes amid heightened tensions in Europe following Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in the Baltics—first established after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014—has become a cornerstone of the alliance’s strategy to deter further aggression. The UK leads the Estonia-based battlegroup, supported by troops and equipment from France, Denmark, and Iceland.

With Archer now operational in Estonia, the British Army is signaling a strategic shift toward faster, more flexible, and digitally enabled artillery forces. It also reflects the UK's firm commitment to defending NATO allies with modern and resilient military capabilities.

This debut not only reinforces the combat strength of NATO's front-line defenses but also sends a clear message of resolve and readiness to adversaries watching from the east.