The Swedish Armed Forces has taken delivery of its first four Archer 8×8 self-propelled artillery systems, offering greater mobility and faster road speeds than the existing Archer 6×6 fleet.
Sweden placed an order with BAE Systems for 48 Archer 8×8 systems in September 2023 under a contract valued at approximately $500 million. This was followed by a further order for 18 additional howitzers in 2025. The first four vehicles will support conscript training, while two more are expected to arrive in the fall. Deliveries of the remaining systems are planned to continue through 2030.
Truck-Based Archer
The Archer 8×8 introduces a truck-based platform, replacing the dumper-style chassis used by the Archer 6×6 while retaining the system’s 155mm artillery capability. Meanwhile, Sweden’s existing 24 Archer 6×6 systems have been upgraded to the Version C configuration, featuring an improved command support system and additional vehicle enhancements.
A key advantage of the new 8×8 configuration is its improved road mobility. The Archer 8×8 can achieve speeds of approximately 80 to 90 kilometers per hour, compared with around 50 to 60 kilometers per hour for the earlier dumper-based Archer 6×6.
Archer Howitzer
The 155mm Archer self-propelled howitzer is designed to combine rapid deployment, high mobility, and enhanced crew protection. Its gun system can be remotely operated from an armored cabin, allowing personnel to remain protected during firing operations.
The system can receive a fire mission, stop, deploy the weapon, and fire its first round in under 30 seconds. After completing the mission, it can leave the firing position within another 30 seconds. Archer can also fire six rounds, relocate, and move approximately 500 meters in less than two minutes, helping reduce its vulnerability to counter-battery fire.
Archer is capable of firing conventional 155mm ammunition, as well as BONUS anti-armor rounds and Excalibur precision-guided munitions. The system entered service with the Swedish Army in 2016 on a 6×6 Volvo articulated hauler chassis.
In addition to Sweden, the Archer is operated by the British Army as an interim replacement for AS90 self-propelled howitzers transferred to Ukraine. The artillery system is also being used operationally by Ukrainian forces.
