Sweden orders 18 new Archer self-propelled howitzers from BAE Systems as part of largest military aid package to Ukraine.

On April 9, 2025, the Swedish Minister for Defence, Dr. Pål Jonson, announced the procurement of 18 Archer wheeled self-propelled howitzers from BAE Systems Bofors. The announcement was made during a visit to the BAE Systems Bofors facility in Karlskoga, Sweden. The systems are part of Sweden’s 18th military support package to Ukraine and are included in an artillery package that also comprises five artillery location radar systems and associated funding, with a total estimated value of approximately USD 300 million.
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This acquisition complements the Swedish Government’s larger initiative to support Ukraine, which has included the 19th military aid package announced on 31 March 2025. (Picture source: Swedish MoD)

This acquisition complements the Swedish Government’s larger initiative to support Ukraine, which has included the 19th military aid package announced on 31 March 2025. That package raised Sweden’s planned military assistance for 2025 to approximately SEK 29.5 billion. Since 2022, Sweden’s cumulative military aid to Ukraine has reached around SEK 80 billion. The 19th package includes acquisitions from Swedish, Nordic, and European defense industries, valued at SEK 9.2 billion, and aims to meet Ukrainian requests for various capabilities, including artillery systems, ammunition, satellite communication, and naval equipment.

The Archer systems being acquired will be integrated onto the Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) HX2 8×8 platform, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. The howitzers are intended to replace systems previously donated to Ukraine and sold to the United Kingdom. As of March 2023, 24 Archer units had been in storage in Sweden, of which 14 were sold to the British Army and 8 were transferred to Ukraine. The remaining 2 units were retained for further development purposes.

The Archer artillery system, also designated FH77BW L52 or Artillerisystem 08, is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer originally developed for the Swedish Army by BAE Systems Bofors. First delivered in 2013, the system entered operational service with the Swedish Armed Forces in 2016. It was designed around a modified Volvo A30D 6×6 articulated hauler platform, with later variants developed for the HX2 8×8 truck and conceptual versions proposed for Oshkosh 8×8 and 10×10 vehicles.

The howitzer can be deployed and fired within 20 seconds and leave its firing position within another 20 seconds. It can execute a burst of three rounds in 20 seconds, an intensive fire mission of 21 rounds in three minutes, or sustain 54 rounds over 35 minutes. The system is capable of Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) firing with up to six rounds. It features an automatic loading system with 21 155 mm projectiles and 126 modular propellant charges, and can be operated by a crew of one to four personnel from within the armored cabin.

The Archer artillery system, also designated FH77BW L52 or Artillerisystem 08, is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer originally developed for the Swedish Army by BAE Systems Bofors. (Picture source: Swedish MoD)

The Archer fires a range of 155 mm NATO-standard ammunition, including high-explosive, extended-range, smoke, illumination, and training rounds. It supports precision-guided munitions such as the M982 Excalibur, with a range exceeding 50 km, and the BONUS top-attack anti-armor munition, with a range up to 35 km. The Excalibur is GPS-guided and has a reported miss distance under 2 meters. BONUS rounds carry two sensor-fuzed submunitions designed to engage armored vehicles.

The system is equipped with onboard ballistic computation, electronic fuze setting, and digitized fire mission capabilities. Navigation and targeting are supported by an inertial navigation system (INS) with GPS assistance. It is compatible with battlefield management systems and integrates communications equipment for voice and data. The Remote Weapon Station (RWS) on the roof can be armed with either a 12.7 mm machine gun or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.

The armored cabin offers protection against artillery fragments, small arms fire, anti-tank mines, and blast overpressure, and includes CBRN protection. The system can operate in temperatures and environments ranging from extreme cold to heat. It features a run-flat tire system and can be transported by rail, sea, or air, including by C-17 or A400M aircraft. The base vehicle reaches speeds up to 90 km/h (HX2 variant) or 70 km/h (Volvo A30D variant) with an operational range of up to 800 km. The system can fire from a 10.4-meter elevation and can traverse horizontally between -85° and +85°. Ground clearance is 0.4 to 0.45 meters depending on the platform, and the vehicle can ford up to 1 meter of water.

Operational users of the Archer include Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. Sweden ordered 24 Archers in 2009 and received an additional 24 units in 2016 that were originally ordered by Norway but not accepted. A new contract for 48 systems based on the HX2 platform was signed in September 2023 for approximately USD 500 million, with deliveries starting in 2025. The United Kingdom received 14 Archers between October 2023 and July 2024 as an interim replacement for 32 AS90s sent to Ukraine. Ukraine received 8 Archer systems in late 2023, which have since been used in combat operations.

In Ukraine, the Archer has been observed in use by the 45th Artillery Brigade, including documented strikes against Russian D-20 howitzers near Kreminna in March 2024 and a 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzer near Chervonopopivka in May 2024. In January 2024, Ukrainian media recorded the Archer firing in combat, with operators citing its rapid response and automation as operational advantages. In February 2024, an Archer was damaged near Kupiansk by a loitering munition, with Ukrainian sources suggesting the system was repairable.

The Archer fires a range of 155 mm NATO-standard ammunition, including high-explosive, extended-range, smoke, illumination, and training rounds. (Picture source: Swedish MoD)

Other countries have shown interest in the Archer system. Romania is considering a purchase of 36 units. Canada is evaluating lightweight mobile artillery options, with Archer under consideration. The United States conducted trials of the Archer in 2021 under a wheeled howitzer evaluation but did not proceed with procurement. However, the U.S. military has renewed interest under the "mobile tactical cannon" initiative, with a selection expected in 2026.

Switzerland shortlisted the Archer in 2022 for its "Artillerie Wirkplattform und Wirkmittel 2026" program, competing against the RCH-155, but ultimately selected the latter in 2024. Norway cancelled its original Archer order in 2013 due to development delays and instead opted for the K9 Thunder from South Korea in 2017.

The system’s development began in the 1990s with studies on upgrading the FH77 to a modern, mobile platform. Various testbeds and prototypes were developed, including the FH77AD and FH77BD. The formal program gained momentum with contracts awarded by Sweden’s FMV and cooperation with Norway until the latter’s withdrawal in 2013. The current configuration includes both gun and ammunition handling systems, allowing field reloads via a dedicated support vehicle capable of carrying 100 rounds and completing resupply within 5 to 8 minutes.

Sweden’s support to Ukraine also includes funding for innovation, export credit guarantees, technical services, and maintenance for previously delivered materiel. The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) contributes analysis and detection support. The government has allocated SEK 573 million for spare parts and sustainment services, SEK 500 million for export guarantees, and SEK 140 million for civil defense support. These measures aim to ensure continuity in capability transfer and logistical support for Ukrainian forces.