With the handover of the first four ARCHER 8×8 self-propelled howitzers, Sweden’s armed forces begin the modernization of their artillery. The step stands as an exemplar of a Europe-wide trend: stand-off weapons and far-reaching fire support are once again at the top of the priority lists for European armed forces. The ARCHER from BAE Systems offers several special capabilities for this purpose.
Sweden Receives First New ARCHER Howitzers
The war in Ukraine has fundamentally changed the importance of artillery. It remains, indeed, one of the most important forms of fire support on the battlefield, but in the future it will operate increasingly within a sensor network that draws information from a wide range of sources, from drones to satellites.
At a ceremonial handover at the Villingsberg training area, Sweden’s defence procurement agency FMV handed over the first four ARCHER 8×8 artillery systems to the Swedish Armed Forces. The units handed over today are only the first delivery of the contract for 48 ARCHER howitzers signed with BAE Systems in 2023, worth around 500 million US dollars. In addition, a further 18 systems were ordered by Sweden in 2025 as part of a military aid package for Ukraine.
“This handover is the result of close cooperation between BAE Systems, FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces,” said Lena Gillström, CEO of BAE Systems Bofors, on the occasion of the handover. “The ceremonial handover of ARCHER to the Swedish Armed Forces is proof of our joint commitment to strengthening Sweden’s long-range artillery capabilities. I am very proud of everyone who helped us reach this point. This milestone paves the way for further deliveries and supports Sweden’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its artillery capabilities.”
Artillery Remains the Backbone of the Army
The war in Ukraine shows that artillery cannot be replaced by drones or guided missiles, especially in light of the capabilities of modern air defense. It remains a central component of a networked web of sensors, reconnaissance, and fire support.
Similarly, a recent study by the British Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), published today, also comes to this conclusion. It argues that precision munitions do not replace classic artillery with their mass effect, which remains cost-effective depending on the ammunition. While in the era of focusing on use only surgical capabilities were required—which artillery can achieve with a corresponding investment in the shells (the Vulcano round)—today wide-area effect is again in focus. Also with very long ranges, which modern artillery is indeed capable of achieving. Thus the ARCHER Mobile Howitzer 8×8 can reach a fire range of 50 to 60 km with the appropriate ammunition. Even with standard ammunition, 30 to 40 km are feasible.
ARCHER: High Mobility and Short Reaction Times
The ARCHER artillery, developed by BAE Systems Bofors, is among the most modern wheeled howitzers in Europe. The fully automated system combines high firepower with great mobility and short reaction times. After firing, ARCHER can leave its position within a few seconds, thereby avoiding the enemy’s counter-fire — a capability that has gained considerable importance in the war in Ukraine. Mobility is the new protection.
The new 8×8 version also offers higher mobility as well as greater reserves in payload and cross-country capability than earlier variants. It was specifically designed to keep pace with highly mobile units while further increasing range, survivability and readiness.
With the modernization of its artillery, Sweden thus joins a development that is currently taking place in almost all European NATO states. While after the end of the Cold War artillery formations—usually the entire army—were significantly reduced in many places, the war in Ukraine demonstrates impressively that far-reaching fire support remains indispensable even in the age of drones and missiles. It must, however, be able to operate as part of an interconnected system of sensors and Battle Management Systems. The ARCHER 8×8 is indeed designed for this, enabling the Swedish armed forces to take an important step in their modernization.
Author: Dorothee Frank, Online Editor-in-Chief
