Archer artillery system in action
Sweden has announced it will supply ten new Archer artillery systems to Ukraine. The mobile howitzer—hailed as the “nightmare of the Russians”—is prized for its speed, precision and battlefield impact.
The shipment forms part of two fresh military aid packages proposed last week by Sweden’s defence minister, Pal Jonson. Together they total 1.5 billion Swedish kronor (approximately €135 million) and also include long-range weaponry, underwater armaments, plus vehicles from Volvo and Scania.
Shoot and scoot: fire and disappear
In service with Ukraine since January 2023, the Archer is a self-propelled 155 mm howitzer mounted on a Volvo truck. It can unleash its salvo and withdraw before the enemy even knows where the shots came from—a tactic known as “shoot and scoot.”
A Ukrainian soldier stands beside Sweden’s Archer howitzer just seconds before opening fire on Russian defensive lines.
Within three minutes the system can fire 21 rounds. Thanks to advanced guidance it remains accurate even against moving targets, and certain munitions extend its reach up to 50 kilometres. All procedures—from targeting to firing—are executed automatically from the crew cabin.
Russian dread
Ukrainian soldiers of the 45th Artillery Brigade frequently showcase the Archer on social media. In military circles it’s regarded as a true game-changer, and the defence platform United24 dubs it “a Russian nightmare.”
Ukrainian troops are striking Russian fortifications in the Donetsk region using Sweden’s Archer artillery system.
Having already impressed Kyiv with deliveries of the French Caesar howitzer, Sweden now aims to secure a long-term role as an arms supplier within Europe through the Archer. Meanwhile, the front remains unstable, and demand grows for rapid, flexible fire-support systems.
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