According to an interview published by the "Aftonbladet", a Swedish daily newspaper on January 8, 2022, with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the Government of Sweden confirmed that the ARCHER, an 8x8 truck-mounted 155mm self-propelled howitzer will be supplied to Ukraine.
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Swedish ARCHER 155mm truck-mounted 155mm self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source Wikimedia)
On November 16, 2022, Sweden’s Defense Ministry announced a new package of military aid to Ukraine worth $287 million. The new military aid package included air defense systems, winter ammunition, and a special aid package that will help the country survive the winter.
On October 27, 2022, during an interview with the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lidén from the Swedish Defense Academy announced that the Swedish Ministry Of Defense has submitted a report to the government that they could provide 12 of their 48 Archer 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine.
In terms of weapons, Sweden has already provided Ukraine with AT4 light anti-tank weapons, and Robot 17 anti-ship missiles.
The ARCHER is an 8x8 truck-mounted 155mm self-propelled howitzer jointly developed and manufactured by the Company Swedish Company Bofors and BAE Systems. The original version of the Archer is based on a modified Volvo Construction Equipment A30D articulated haul truck (6x6), but other truck chassis can be used such as the MAN 8x8.
The ARCHER is armed with a 155mm 52-caliber gun coupled with an automatic loading system with 21 rounds and 18 charges. The magazines handle all types of 155 mm artillery ammo, including advanced sensor-fuzed and precision-guided munitions. Depending on customer requirements, the loading magazine can be adapted for either conventional bags or modular systems. Fire capabilities include direct fire and Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI).
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 crew cabin of the ARCHER is protected against nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) threats, artillery fragmentation, mine attack, and blast overpressure. Significant separation of the crew from the armament and munitions further enhances survivability.
The ARCHER is mounted on a commercial articulated vehicle specially developed for high mobility in the most difficult terrain. It can run at a maximum road speed of 70 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 1,000 km. The artillery system is supported by an Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (ARV), designed to provide a complete reload of the howitzer within minutes.
