Swedish Army receives first Archer 8x8 self-propelled howitzers

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has delivered the first four Archer 8x8 self-propelled 155-mm howitzers to the Swedish Armed Forces. This delivery is part of a larger order for 48 units, which is expected to be completed by 2030.

The new Archer variant features a German-made RMMV HX2 8x8 chassis, replacing the previous Volvo A30D 6x6 platform. This upgrade significantly improves mobility, allowing the vehicle to reach road speeds of up to 90 km/h, compared to the 50–60 km/h of the older model. The system is designed for high survivability in drone-saturated environments, capable of transitioning from a complete stop to firing readiness in approximately 20 seconds, and can displace 500 meters in less than two minutes after firing six rounds.

The procurement involves several international partners: BAE Systems Bofors AB provided the primary contract, Rheinmetall AG supplied the heavy truck chassis, and South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace was contracted for modular charge systems. These new assets will initially serve for conscript training and are intended to strengthen Sweden’s artillery capabilities, particularly in the southern regions and on the strategic island of Gotland.