The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has taken delivery of the first production series Archer artillery system from BAE Systems during a ceremony at the company’s facility in Karlskoga, Sweden.
BAE received a $200m contract in 2010 to supply of a total of 48 artillery systems, including 24 each for the Swedish and Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as associated ammunition handling systems.
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BAE Systems Sweden Weapon Systems managing director Lena Gillstrom said: "BAE Systems and FMV have been working very closely to achieve our high-level requirements for the Archer programme.
"This is an important milestone as we begin the delivery of all systems for our Swedish customer.
"Archer will provide the Swedish Armed Forces with an advanced artillery system that focuses on the safety of our soldiers."
The company handed over the first four Archer systems to the Swedish Government in 2013, which are in use with the Swedish artillery regiment.
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By GlobalDataFMV acting director-general Dan Ohlsson said: "Archer is an important part of strengthening the Swedish defence."
A development of the 155mm towed FH77 L39 system, the Archer is a fully automated 155mm howitzer and a M151 Protector remote-controlled weapon station mounted on a modified 6×6 chassis of Volvo A30D all-terrain truck, and is designed for rapid deployment and high-mobility in demanding operational scenarios.
Featuring an operational range of 40km using current standard ammunition and 60km with the M982 Excalibur rounds, the howitzer can be used in both conventional warfare fire-support and modern international peace-keeping and peace-enforcement missions.
The system also comprises an ammunition resupply vehicle, a support vehicle, Bonus and the M982 Excalibur guided projectile, and is also said to have attracted interest from the Croatian Army as a replacement for their current 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers.
Image: The Archer system is claimed to be one of the world’s most advanced artillery systems with high-mobility and precision. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.
