Sweden awards BAE Systems $500 Mn for 48 Archer artillery systems.

On September 13, 2023, Sweden entered into a significant contract with BAE Systems, securing an additional 48 Archer 155mm self-propelled howitzers for its army at a contract value of approximately $500 million. The newly ordered systems will be integrated into Rheinmetall MAN military vehicles, specifically the RMMV HX2 8x8, with the first units scheduled for delivery to the Swedish Army in 2025.
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Sweden will buy 48 Archer mobile artillery systems through a $500 million contract (Picture source: Forsvaret)

The contract, signed between BAE Systems and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), underscores the importance of the Archer mobile artillery system for the Swedish Armed Forces. Manufactured in Sweden, the system has seen successful deployment in the Swedish Army and has reached commendable levels of technical and manufacturing readiness.

Lena Gillström, President of BAE Systems Bofors, highlighted the significance of this milestone, emphasizing that it establishes Archer as a crucial component of the Swedish Army's new divisional artillery forces. Additionally, it underscores BAE Systems Bofors' partnership with Sweden in developing Archer as a modern wheeled 155mm howitzer currently in operation.

In addition to the Swedish Army, the United Kingdom has also selected the Archer to meet its interim artillery requirements. As previously reported, the British Army has initiated the acquisition of modern artillery systems, partly as replacements for those supplied to Ukraine. The British Army recently received the first 14 Archer self-propelled howitzers, serving as interim replacements for the 32 AS90 artillery systems previously donated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Furthermore, Sweden has provided Ukraine with Archer artillery systems. Ukraine received a total of eight Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers, along with 10 Leopard 2 Stridsvagn 122 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), from the Swedish government, amounting to a budget of six billion kroner SEK (€538 million).

The Archer is a 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer developed by BAE Systems AB, a subsidiary of BAE Systems PLC, a British multinational defense, security, and aerospace company. This artillery system is designed to provide artillery support for military forces with an emphasis on speed and accuracy.

The Archer is equipped with a 155mm/L52 caliber gun capable of firing various ammunition types, including high explosive (HE), smoke, illumination, and precision-guided projectiles. It has an extended firing range of up to 60 kilometers (37 miles) with rocket-assisted projectiles and can maintain a firing rate of 8-9 rounds per minute for up to 3 minutes in multiple-round simultaneous impact (MRSI) mode.

Technologically advanced, the Archer features a fire control system, GPS, inertial navigation systems, and an automated ammunition handling system. These elements work together to enhance accuracy and streamline target acquisition. A crew of 3-4 can operate the system from a climate-controlled cabin or remotely, providing versatility in various combat situations.

One notable advantage of the Archer is its mobility and rapid deployment capability. It can be set up for firing in just 30 seconds and can change firing positions within 20 seconds, making it a challenging target for the enemy. This system has been adopted by the Swedish and Norwegian armed forces and is under consideration by other nations seeking to modernize their artillery capabilities.

The Archer is built on a modified 6x6 chassis from the Volvo A30D all-terrain articulated hauler. It includes an ammunition resupply vehicle, a support vehicle, and can fire multiple rounds in succession with different trajectories to hit the same target simultaneously.