Sweden evaluates the possibility to provide Ukraine with Archer 6x6 155mm howitzers


On its Twitter account, the Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister Ann Lind announced that Sweden evaluates the possibility to provide Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers, RBS70 man-portable air defense missile systems, and other military equipment to Ukraine.
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Swedish Archer 6x6 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source Wikimedia)


Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine Sweden has already provided Ukraine with 10,000 AT4 light anti-tank weapons. 5,000 M90 helmets, 5,000 bulletproof vests model 12, 135,000 field rations, an unspecified number of Robot 17 (Swedish anti-ship version of AGM-114 Hellfire), and Barrett M82 rifles, with munitions.

On August 29, 2022, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson announced new military assistance of $46.75 million to Ukraine during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Stockholm. Sweden's prime minister did not provide details of the military aid to Ukraine but said it would be similar to previous aid including anti-tank weapons, personal protective equipment, and mine clearance equipment.

During the press conference, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on Sweden to provide the country with weapons such as howitzers and shells.

The Archer is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer based on a modified Volvo A30D 6×6 articulated all-terrain vehicle. The howitzer was designed and developed by the company BAE Systems. The first prototype of the vehicle was completed in 2010 and the Archer entered into service with the Swedish army in February 2016.

The Archer is armed with a 155mm 52-caliber gun using the design of the cradle and recoil system from the current generation FH 77B towed field howitzer. The howitzer is equipped with a computerized fire control system, a laying system and inertial navigation, and a muzzle velocity radar. It carries 20 155 mm projectiles in a fully automatic magazine and an additional 20 projectiles for reloading.

The cannon of the Archer has a maximum firing range of 40km with conventional 155mm ammunition and 60 km with precision-guided munitions including the Excalibur. The Excalibur (XM982, M982, and M982A1) is a 155 mm, Global Positioning System (GPS)-guided, extended-range artillery projectile in use as the Army’s next-generation cannon artillery precision munitions.

In terms of mobility, the Archer can run at a maximum road speed of 70 km/h with a maximum range of 500 km.