Sweden to Send 18 Archer Howitzers to Ukraine in New $300M Military Package

The Swedish Government has placed an order for 18 new ARCHER mobile howitzers to Ukraine as part of its 18th military support package, valued at approximately $300 million.

The announcement was made by Swedish Minister for Defence, Dr. Pål Jonson, during a recent visit to the BAE Systems Bofors facility in Karlskoga.

The deal includes five additional artillery location radar systems, funding, and other military support measures aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s artillery capabilities.

The ARCHER systems—manufactured by BAE Systems—are equipped with a 155 mm/52-calibre gun mounted on a wheeled chassis and feature rapid deployment and high automation. They are capable of opening fire within 20 seconds after arriving at a position. The system can fire three rounds in 20 seconds and unload all 21 rounds in under three minutes, allowing for swift strikes and repositioning in counter-battery operations.

The Ukrainian version of the ARCHERs is fitted with Barracuda camouflage to reduce detectability, although it lacks a remotely operated machine gun turret.

The support package also includes BAE Systems’ Tridon Mk2 Ground-Based Air Defence System, which was showcased in the weeks leading up to the official announcement.