Rheinmetall to Deliver 48 HX 8x8 Trucks for Sweden's Archer Artillery System.

On May 23, 2024, the Swedish company BAE Systems Bofors AB announced that it had concluded a major agreement with the German company Rheinmetall for the acquisition of advanced military vehicles. The contract, signed in March 2024, covers the delivery of 48 all-terrain HX cab chassis with protected cabins, for an amount close to 71 million euros. These 8x8 vehicles from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) are intended to transport the Swedish Armed Forces' Archer artillery systems.

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Archer Artillery System Mounted on Rheinmetall MAN's 8x8 All-Terrain HX Military Truck (Picture source: BAE Systems Bofors)

Vehicle delivery is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2024, with completion planned by the end of 2027. The contract also includes additional maintenance and support services, ensuring optimal long-term material management.

The HX vehicles are specially designed to meet the strict requirements of modern artillery, capable of withstanding the shock waves generated by the firing of a 155 mm howitzer. In addition to their high mobility in challenging terrain, Rheinmetall's integrated armored cabins provide maximum protection for the crews, a crucial advantage during deployments in high-risk areas.

This partnership marks the first time the Archer system has been integrated onto HX family trucks, reflecting the continuous evolution of military technologies and the adaptability of Rheinmetall's solutions. BAE Systems Bofors AB, based in Sweden, will be responsible for integrating these systems onto the new chassis.

The Archer artillery system, previously used on a 6x6 platform, will benefit from this transition to a more robust and adaptable 8x8 configuration. The HX2 series vehicles are already widely used by the Swedish forces, serving as logistics trucks and as carriers for the Patriot air defense missile system.

This new agreement reinforces Rheinmetall's role in enhancing NATO interoperability. The HX series vehicles, adopted by several alliance nations, promote synergy among the armies through the standardization of certain equipment and maintenance, training, and deployment procedures. In addition to Sweden, countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, Austria, and Norway already use these trucks in various configurations, demonstrating their versatility and reliability in operational conditions.