Sweden: Government Decision on Archer

Sweden: Government Decision on Archer (NSI News Source Info) September 6, 2008: The Archer artillery system will soon be in service. The government has made a decision on continued development and procurement of this modified Howitzer 77B. “With the new gun we will have one of the world’s best systems with precision bombardment,” says Thomas Lindell, Acting Commander at the Artillery Regiment A9. The decision is seen as an expression of Sweden’s will to strengthen its artillery capability, and a sign of Sweden’s commitment to intensified cooperation with Norway on national security.

The Swedish government has approved final development and procurement of the Archer truck-mounted self-propelled artillery gun.

The government considers that joint development and procurement of Archer together with Norway creates conditions for an improved ability to collaborate in international operations. There are also opportunities to share the costs of teaching and training soldiers and costs for logistics, maintenance and modification of the systems. “All experience at international level underlines the need for modern artillery units,” says Thomas Lindell. PROTECTOR The cooperation with Norway also includes procurement of the remote-controlled weapon station Protector. The mandate of Parliament is required before Swedish procurement of this system. The government is expected to seek this mandate in its budget proposal for 2009. Archer Facts: -- Dumper truck with ballistic protection -- Calibre: 15.5 cm (155 mm) -- Muzzle velocity: 945 m/s -- Range: 50 km with precision-guided shells -- Based on the Howitzer 77 B, but with a barrel 2 metres longer -- Top road speed: 70 km/h -- Crew: 3-4: vehicle commander, driver and 1-2 operators -- Ammunition: 21 projectiles carried on board the vehicle