The UK Army has achieved a significant milestone in its artillery modernisation programme. The UK Ministry of Defence has announced that its newly procured Swedish-made Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer systems have undergone their first operational deployment during the large-scale Exercise Hedgehog 14 in Estonia on 2025 May 2025. This deployment marks the first time the Archer system has been used in active field operations within the UK Army.
The Archer howitzer’s participation in Exercise Hedgehog 2025 has been confirmed with official footage showing the UK Army using the next-generation platform in realistic training scenarios. Conducted from 9–24 May 2025 and involving a wide range of NATO and partner nations, the exercise underlines the UK’s growing military commitment to NATO’s eastern flank and highlights the importance placed on rapidly integrating advanced artillery capabilities into frontline service.
Hedgehog 2025: Testing NATO's Power in the East
Exercise Hedgehog 2025 is a key part of the UK’s Op Razoredge deployment series and serves as a Forward Land Forces (FLF) rehearsal mission. Conducted under the command of the UK’s 4th Light Brigade Combat Team (The Black Rats), the exercise aims to facilitate operational integration with the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF), Estonian Defence League (EDL) and forces from a number of NATO and partner nations. Conducted amid rising regional tensions, the exercise provides a critical opportunity to test rapid force deployment, joint operations with allies and deterrence strategies in a realistic environment, Army Recognition reported.
UK's Rapid Archer Procurement Process
The UK’s operational deployment of Archer howitzers is notable as the result of a very rapid procurement process that began in early 2023. The UK sought a modern system to replace the 32 AS90 self-propelled howitzers it donated to Ukraine, and in March 2023 signed a contract with Swedish defence giant BAE Systems Bofors for the purchase of 14 Archer artillery systems.
Following the signing of this contract, the first Archer howitzers were expected to arrive in the UK in October 2023, marking one of the fastest complex system deliveries in British military procurement history. This delivery, which was completed in just six months, clearly demonstrates the importance the UK places on defence modernisation and its ability to act quickly. At this point, it can be said that the UK Ministry of Defence’s decision to switch from the old AS90 platform to the modern Archer system stems from both a strategic necessity and the rapid evolution of artillery technology.
Transitioning from AS90 to Archer: Strategic Modernization and Evolving Needs
The decision by the UK Ministry of Defence to switch from the older AS90 self-propelled howitzer system to the modern Archer artillery system is not just a modernisation initiative, but also a strategic response to changing battlefield requirements. The need for greater mobility, increased survivability and precision firepower is increasingly important in today’s and future combat environments. The Archer system offers high tactical mobility thanks to its wheeled structure, while also providing high firepower and accuracy thanks to its advanced fire control systems and automatic ammunition loading mechanism. These features will play a critical role in meeting the UK Army’s future operational needs and strengthening cooperation with NATO allies.
