Swedish Archer survives Russian strike, crew unharmed

Ukraine received eight FH77BW Archer artillery systems from Sweden. This is a wheeled, self-propelled howitzer with a high degree of automation. Thanks to this, the Archer can very quickly return fire after stopping and then move on, changing its position.

After stopping, the howitzer needs only 30 seconds to take the first shot. It takes another 15 seconds to fire three rounds, and after the next 30 seconds, the Archer is ready to move out. The system is so fast that the howitzer can be on the move while the shells it fired are still in the air, heading toward the target.

The FH77BW Archer can also fire in MRSI mode – firing shells at different angles so they hit the target simultaneously, intensifying the impact.

The exceptional capabilities of the Archer used by Ukrainians did not protect it from being hit this time. As seen in the footage shared by Ukrainians, the howitzer was hit in the ammunition magazine—probably by a Lancet series loitering munition or an FPV drone.

The visible damage in the footage shows how well-designed the Archer system is. The ammunition is not only separated from the crew but is located as far from them as possible, in a magazine at the other end of the vehicle.

The four-person crew of the howitzer during combat does not have direct contact with the ammunition, which is automatically loaded from the magazine. The crew remains in the armoured, enclosed cabin during this time.

Although the Archer's design minimizes the effects of a hit in the ammunition magazine, Defence 24 reports that in this case, the magazine was likely empty or contained very few shells and propellants, as the effects of the explosion are negligible.

Although the howitzer was damaged, the crew likely did not sustain serious injuries, and the weapon can be repaired and returned to service.