Key Factors
- Sweden handed over its first new Archer 8×8 artillery programs to the military and the A 9 regiment on Tuesday at Villingsberg.
- FMV has a $500 million contract with BAE Methods Bofors for 48 Archer 8×8 programs, getting into conscript coaching this fall.
Sweden’s armed forces acquired the primary new Archer 8×8 artillery programs on Tuesday, handed over by the Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to the military after which to the Bergslagen Artillery Regiment, A 9.
The ceremony passed off on the Villingsberg firing vary below clear skies. FMV has a contract with BAE Methods Bofors for 48 Archer 8×8 programs.
“The upgraded model of the Archer artillery system represents a significant functionality improve for the military and the artillery. Archer 8×8 shall be necessary for strengthening artillery functionality in southern Sweden and on Gotland. Fashionable warfare relies on oblique fireplace and requires long-range programs,” mentioned Brigadier Normal Per Nilsson, performing chief of the military.
– ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW –
“When authorities and business cooperate, the outcomes are excellent. We aren’t simply constructing materiel programs collectively, we’re constructing Swedish protection functionality. At present’s handover is a crucial step for each the armed forces’ operational functionality and the expansion of Swedish artillery,” mentioned Jonas Lotsne, head of military materiel at FMV.
Archer 8×8 shall be launched at A 9 this fall. The brand new model enters conscript coaching beginning with the present coaching 12 months, 2026 to 2027, and can develop into a part of future battle items.
“Archer 8×8 is being launched at A 9 this fall. The brand new model enters conscript coaching as of this coaching 12 months, 26-27, and can develop into a part of upcoming battle items,” mentioned Colonel Henrik Rosdahl, commander of the Bergslagen Artillery Regiment A 9.
Archer 8×8 is a 155 mm artillery system built-in on an all-terrain 8×8 car with a street velocity of as much as 90 km/h (56 mph). The system builds on expertise from the Archer 6×6 and offers the armed forces better operational and tactical mobility.
The car can transfer into and out of firing place in about 20 seconds. That permits a crew to fireside six rounds, depart the place and transfer 500 meters (550 yards) in below two minutes, whereas the crew stays contained in the armored cab. Archer 8×8 has a spread of greater than 50 km (31 miles), relying on ammunition. It’s constructed by BAE Methods Bofors in Karlskoga.
The 8×8 model replaces the Volvo A30D 6×6 chassis used on earlier Archer programs. FMV ordered the 48 programs in September 2023 in a contract price about $500 million. BAE Methods Bofors then contracted Rheinmetall MAN Army Autos in March 2024 to provide 48 HX2 8×8 chassis for the order, a deal price about €71 million. Deliveries of the chassis had been scheduled to run from the third quarter of 2024 by means of the top of 2027.
FMV acquired the primary Archer 8×8 unit for acceptance inspection in April 2026, forward of Tuesday’s handover to the military.
The Archer 6×6, mounted on the Volvo chassis, stays in Swedish service however is being phased out on the divisional artillery function because the 8×8 programs arrive. In March 2025, the Swedish authorities approved FMV to buy 18 Archer programs with the intent of donating the Volvo-based fleet to Ukraine.
FMV has not disclosed what number of Archer 8×8 programs have been delivered past the primary unit, or a full timeline for equipping further items after A 9.
