The Swedish government has approved procurement of 24 Archer truck-mounted guns, clearing the way for a joint order with Norway of 48 vehicles. (Swedish Armed Forces photo)
“It is gratifying that the Government has taken this decision; it was awaited, "says Torbjörn Larsson, commander of Artilleriregementet (Artillery Regiment, A 9), the Swedish Army’s center of competence for artillery.
Shortly before mid-summer this year, the Norwegian Stortinget decided to authorize the purchase of twenty-four Archers for the Norwegian armed forces. This was one of the prerequisites for Sweden to also buy these artillery pieces, manufactured by BAE Systems in Bofors.
“This decision came just in time, so now we can continue to work with Norway to prepare for the service introduction," says Torbjörn Larsson.
Costs are shared Thanks to the cooperation with Norway, development and maintenance costs are shared between the two countries. Furthermore, by acquiring the same system Norway and Sweden can also benefit from cooperation on training, exercises, maintenance and future modifications and upgrades.
Development of Archer has been a long process, which started in 2002. Sweden’s old artillery system, Howitzer 77B, was about to reach its retirement age, and there was a need for a new one.
The choice fell on the development of a fully mobile, self-propelled system based on a standard Volvo construction articulated dumper truck, and to be able to use some parts from Howitzer 77B.
Will be ready this year Two experimental demonstrator vehicles were completed in 2005; they have been carefully tested and rebuilt along the way. Two prototypes will be ready this year, and the first production vehicles will start to be delivered in 2011.
“It is good that it is ready. We will have one of the world's best artillery. It fits well into the new flexible response system and can be used to great advantage in international operations," says Björn Isaksson, A 9's project manager for the Archer system.
Characteristics: Archer:
Armored articulated dumper vehicle
Protection against small arms fire, mines, NBC, and fire protection
Maximum speed is 70 km/h on the road.
The crew consists of three to four people: commander, driver and one or two operators.
Caliber is 155mm (or 15.5 cm.)
Built on a Volvo articulated dumper truck
Range up to 50 km, and rate of fire is ten to twelve shots per minute
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