BAE Systems has partnered with Babcock and Rheinmetall to offer the Archer artillery system to replace the British Army’s AS90 armored self-propelled howitzer.
The partnership supports the UK Ministry of Defence’s Mobiles Fires Platform program, which seeks modernized 155-millimeter capabilities.
Under the consortium, BAE will supply and integrate weapon systems, barrels, and gun control technologies for the Archer. The company will also establish and manage an Assembly, Integration, and Test facility to support the project.
Simultaneously, Babcock will streamline processes related to the superstructure and ammunition resupply system and provide maintenance and manufacturing expertise for the initiative.
Meanwhile, BAE and Rheinmetall’s joint venture RSBL will be responsible for tasks on the Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicle (RMMV) HX 8×8 truck chassis and its preparation before integration with the artillery system.
“The ARCHER, already in service with the British Army as its interim solution, is one of the most advanced, fielded artillery systems in the world today,” BAE Weapon Systems UK Managing Director John Borton said.
“Working with our strategic partners in the UK, we believe that an ARCHER-based solution would allow the British Army to significantly accelerate the delivery of the Mobile Fires Platform program.”
“Our aim is to deliver a long-term homegrown artillery solution for the UK, which will safeguard, sustain and grow a critical, specialized British industrial capability and an opportunity for exports.”
‘Re-Establishing’ Operational Independence
BAE wrote that the Archer consortium will ensure a “significant amount” of British industrial content” once the Mobiles Fires Platform program begins full-rate production.
“As part of the bid, BAE Systems plans to use its expertise in Sweden and the UK to re-establish sovereign barrel manufacturing in the UK, which would provide an opportunity to generate operational independence and security of supply through a sovereign artillery manufacturing solution,” the company said.
The Archer
The Archer is a wheeled, fully-automated weapon system designed for fast-paced land warfare.
Operators can control the platform from an integrated armored cabin, while drivers can move the system to different locations within 30 seconds after firing.
BAE claims that Archer can deploy six rounds in under two minutes and relocate up to 500 meters after each attack.
