In a development, BAE Systems signed a contract valued at approximately $500m (Skr45m) with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to supply 48 Archer artillery systems to the Swedish Army.
This agreement not only strengthened the Swedish Army's capabilities but also paved the way for Archer's adoption by other nations, further establishing it as a premier wheeled 155mm howitzer on the global stage.
The mobile artillery system, designed and manufactured by BAE Systems Bofors in Sweden, has proven its mettle by serving in the Swedish Army and achieving the highest technical and manufacturing readiness levels.
In November 2022, Sweden received its 48th and last Archer artillery system from BAE Systems from its previous contract with the British-based company.
Since then, Sweden has donated a portion of the 155mm self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine and has decided to replace the lost inventory but also to bolster the inventory numbers of the artillery system in the face of a growing threat from Russia in the Baltic Sea, following Russia's decision to invade Ukraine.
The 48 new Archer systems specified in this contract will be integrated into the versatile Rheinmetall MAN military vehicle, RMMV HX2 8x8, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2025.
Lena Gillström, President of BAE Systems Bofors, emphasised the significance of this milestone, stating, "This important milestone establishes Archer as the basis of the Swedish Army's new divisional artillery forces.
"It is also critical to BAE Systems Bofors' work jointly developing the Archer with Sweden to confirm it as the most advanced wheeled 155mm howitzer in operation today."
Archer can accurately fire the bonus anti-armour munition up to 35km, conventional munitions up to 40km, and the precision-guided munition Excalibur above 50km. Its automated magazines can hold different ammunition types and modular charges, supporting various mission requirements.
The adoption of the Archer artillery system extends beyond Sweden's borders. The United Kingdom has also chosen Archer for its interim artillery needs.
Furthermore, Sweden has donated Archer systems to Ukraine, further enhancing the country's defence capabilities. Switzerland has also acquired Archer and included it in its procurement of new artillery systems.
