Ukraine’s 43rd Artillery Brigade has officially deployed the Swedish-made Archer self-propelled howitzers, bringing a powerful new weapon to the battlefield, according to reports on February 18.
Video footage confirms that the Ukrainian forces have already deployed these weapons in combat, firing SgR M/77 shells at Russian targets.
The Archer system, developed by BAE Systems Bofors, is known for its automation, mobility, and rapid-fire capabilities. The 155mm FH 77B howitzer it carries can fire six rounds in just 30 seconds, allowing for quick strikes before repositioning to avoid enemy counterfire.
The Swedish government approved the transfer of Archer howitzers to Ukraine in 2023, and the units now in use come equipped with Barracuda camouflage for added protection.
But they do not include the remotely operated machine gun turret seen on some Swedish models.
According to Militarnyi, Ukraine’s new Archer howitzers are compatible with NATO-standard munitions, including:
BONUS shells, designed to seek and destroy armored targets.
M982 Excalibur guided projectiles, capable of pinpoint accuracy even at long range.
SgR M/77 shells, which offer extended range for deep strikes.
This means that Ukrainian forces can strike enemy positions with extreme precision while staying far from the front lines.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have also achieved another milestone—destroying a North Korean M-1978 "Koksan" self-propelled artillery system for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Koksan, known for its long range but low mobility, is among the weapons North Korea has reportedly supplied to Russia.
