BAE Systems has rolled out the first newly built Archer 155 mm self-propelled howitzer for the Swedish Army, signaling the formal restart of national Archer production. Mounted on the MAN HX2 8×8 military truck, the new configuration represents a major technical and logistical shift designed to enhance operational mobility, NATO interoperability, and long-term sustainment of Sweden’s artillery forces.
The new howitzer is part of a 48-system acquisition contract signed in September 2023 between FMV and BAE Systems Bofors. Revealed during DSEI 2023 in London, the agreement was concluded after Sweden transferred earlier Archer units to Ukraine, creating an urgent requirement to replenish domestic artillery stocks. By opting for new-build systems rather than refurbished platforms, Sweden is ensuring extended service life, upgrade potential, and continuity for its artillery industrial base.
Previous Archer systems were integrated onto Volvo A30D 6×6 articulated haulers, a solution optimized for mobility in snow, forests, and soft terrain. However, as Sweden transitioned into NATO, limitations in payload growth, protection scalability, and logistics commonality became increasingly apparent. These factors drove the shift toward a standardized military truck platform aligned with allied supply chains.
The MAN HX2 8×8 offers higher gross vehicle weight, improved survivability options, and greater electrical power output, enabling integration of modern battle management systems and future enhancements such as precision-guided ammunition and counter-UAS capabilities. Archer’s automated 155 mm L52 gun system remains unchanged, delivering rapid firing rates, Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact capability, and ranges exceeding 50 km with advanced munitions—ensuring Sweden maintains a highly credible, long-range artillery capability in a modern NATO context.
