Archer Artillery Support Contract to Be Awarded to BAE Systems
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to award BAE Systems Bofors AB a short-term support contract for the Archer artillery system, a key part of the British Army’s Interim 155 Capability Project. The move aims to keep the advanced 155mm howitzer fleet operational while longer-term sustainment arrangements are put in place.
The MoD published the contract notice on February 5, 2026. The £4.8 million contract covers training, maintenance, repairs, obsolescence management, configuration support, technical design work, and system configuration tasks over a nine-month period starting in November 2025.
BAE Systems Bofors AB is based in Karlskoga, Sweden and serves as the design authority and original equipment manufacturer for the Archer system. The MoD said no other supplier could provide a suitable safety case or technical support because it lacks the rights to share detailed design data with third parties.
Contract Details and Scope
The support contract will include the following areas:
• Technical design support and system configuration work.
• Maintenance and repair of Archer artillery equipment.
• Obsolescence management to sustain readiness.
• Training for British Army personnel on operation and upkeep.
The notice said the award would be made through a negotiated procedure without prior publication, citing a “absence of competition for technical reasons.” Only one offer was received, and award is based on price.
Archer Artillery System in UK Service
The Archer artillery system is a highly mobile, self-propelled 155mm howitzer designed to deliver rapid, accurate fire support. The British Army selected Archer on an interim basis as part of its artillery modernization plans, replacing older platforms and enhancing expeditionary fire support capabilities. The system is already in service in other nations including Sweden, which has purchased multiple Archer units.
The short-term contract is intended to sustain the Archer systems while the UK finalizes longer-term in-service support arrangements. Previous transparency notices have outlined potential enduring support contracts for up to seven years, also expected to be awarded to BAE Systems Bofors based on technical expertise and proprietary data ownership.
Strategic and Industrial Context
Awarding sustainment work directly to BAE Systems aligns with UK defence industrial policy where original manufacturers typically retain support roles for complex weapon systems that involve proprietary designs and tooling. This approach helps ensure continuity of support and access to critical technical knowledge for systems like Archer.
