artillery的基本意思是“炮,大炮”,也可指“炮兵”(总称),用作主语时谓语动词可用单数,也可用复数。

This is an anti-aircraft artillery.这是一门高射炮。
The artillery was successful.炮兵很有功劳。
The artillery were fighting.炮兵正在作战。

artillery, cannon, gun
参见gun条。