BAE Systems Bofors displayed the Archer 8×8 self-propelled howitzer at Eurosatory 2022, held in Paris from 13 to 17 June. (Janes/Nicholas Fiorenza)
Latvia and Sweden signed a letter of intent (LoI) to conclude an intergovernmental agreement to supply 18 Archer 8×8 self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) for the Latvian National Armed Forces on 10 June, the Baltic state's Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the next day. The LoI signed by Deputy State Secretary for Procurement at the Latvian MoD Major General Andis Dilāns and Swedish National Armaments Director Göran Mårtensson also foresees the creation of a joint Archer 6×6 artillery unit.
The LoI commits Latvia and Sweden to implement joint training of each other's personnel, to be agreed later by their armed forces, and the Swedish Armed Forces to provide leasing of Archer systems until the delivery of new equipment.
Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds said, “The agreement provides a solid basis for joint military exercises, soldier training, and the presence of effective artillery systems starting in 2026.”
A Latvian MoD spokesperson told Janes on 13 June, “The next step that will follow is the negotiations between both countries on the details of the contract, including when the equipment will be delivered, where the training will take place, etc. Once the countries have agreed and the contract is signed, more details about the co-operation between Latvia and Sweden in the context of the Archer equipment will also be known.”
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