Scottish Gunners aim high with new Archer howitzer on Ex Dynamic Front

Royal Artillery gunners from 4th Regiment, based in Larkhill, Wiltshire, unleashed the firepower of the new Archer self-propelled howitzer during the March edition of Exercise Dynamic Front.

Weighing in at around 30 tonnes, the Swedish-made Archer has a range of over 30 kilometres and can fire a salvo of three shells in just 15 seconds.

Its arrival, alongside that of the M270B1 Multiple Launch Rocket System from 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, marks a significant shift in the capability of the British Army’s artillery branch.

The exercise took place across Salisbury Plain Training Area, with 4th Regiment working alongside 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, along with elements of 1 RHA.

Gunner Matthew McLean, from 4th Regiment, said: "Archer is an amazing bit of kit, it’s a huge step forward for the regiment, and it’s great to get out and use it on an exercise like this."

The new howitzer is designed to provide close support to troops on the ground, and can be used to attack a variety of targets, including buildings, bunkers, and vehicles.

It is also equipped with a number of advanced features, including a computerized fire control system that can automatically track and target moving targets.

Colonel Will Gowing, Commander of 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, said: "The Archer is a key part of our modernization program, and it will give us a significant edge on the battlefield."

"We are very proud to be the first regiment to receive the Archer, and we are confident that it will prove to be a valuable asset in the years to come."