British Gunners Fire Swedish Archer for the First Time in Swedish Lapland
Defense News ,UK Sweden :- In a captivating display of military prowess, the echoes of an engine's clicking sound, the resonant clunk of metal, and a rapid burst of a fireball and smoke announced the moment when the first British troops unleashed the power of the Archer Mobile Howitzer. This pivotal moment, witnessed by Lieutenant Colonel Paddy Talbot-King, the Chief Instructor at the Royal School of Artillery (RSA), unfolded during a 14-week 'train the trainer' course in the frozen expanse of Boden, Swedish Lapland.
Amidst the snowy terrain, a team of gunners from Larkhill, Wiltshire, successfully completed a comprehensive training package, gaining expertise in operating the Archer. Lieutenant Colonel Talbot-King expressed his satisfaction, stating that he was "extremely pleased" with the outcome.
This historic event in Sweden marked the culmination of a training initiative provided by The Swedish Artillery School, involving the procurement of the Archer from the Swedish Government. The acquisition aimed to address a gap in the Army's 155mm Close Support capability following the granting-in-kind of 32 AS90 self-propelled guns to Ukraine.
The purchase encompassed logistic support containers, an initial ammunition suite, initial support, and a training package, with a primary focus on achieving the high standards required to operate this modern artillery platform. Lieutenant Colonel Talbot-King emphasized the enduring relationship with the Swedish School of Artillery, acknowledging their generous support and commitment to the training program.
The 14-week 'train the trainer' course mirrored the syllabus taught to Swedish instructors, qualifying them to instruct conscripts. Fanjunkare (Master Sergeant) Johannes Borgstedt-Faläng, a Swedish Gunnery Instructor, highlighted the complexity of the Archer system, emphasizing the shift from manual labor to a more digital and computerized operation, posing challenges for those accustomed to traditional gun platforms.
The course not only tested the gunners' proficiency in the Archer system but also marked the first live fire mission and ammunition replenishment conducted without the support of the Swedish Army. The challenges included navigating the harsh Nordic weather and adapting to a re-education from the tracked gun platform familiar to the British troops.
Sergeant 'Toffy' Tovagone, a Guns and Ammunition Instructor, shared his experience of firing the Archer for the first time, describing it as a unique sensation compared to the AS90. He also faced the challenge of driving in snow chains in a six-wheeled vehicle, a stark contrast for someone originally from Fiji. As an AS90 Detachment Commander, Toffy embraced the multi-role responsibilities of being the operator, driver, and learning the intricacies of the ammunition truck.
Upon completion of the course, Toffy expressed his satisfaction with the Archer as a valuable piece of equipment and praised the effective instruction provided by the Swedish team. He eagerly anticipated passing on the knowledge to future commanders relying on their expertise.
As the British instructors prepare to return to Larkhill, Fanjunkare Johannes Borgstedt-Faläng acknowledged the impact of the British soldiers on the Swedish artillery approach. He mentioned the valuable insights gained from the British perspective, highlighting the collaborative learning experience between the two nations.
This milestone achievement in Sweden not only strengthens international military cooperation but also reaffirms the commitment to the Joint Expeditionary Force, a bilateral partnership between the UK and Sweden on their path toward NATO membership. Looking ahead, crew training on the next generation of wheeled artillery systems is set to commence in the spring, with additional units arriving in the UK to further enhance the Army's capabilities.
