IRIA News

The Latvian government has approved the procurement of 18 Archer wheeled self-propelled artillery systems from Sweden, marking a major step in modernizing national defense capabilities amid heightened regional security concerns in the Baltic region.

The decision follows months of preparatory work between Riga and Stockholm and builds on a letter of intent signed in June 2025. That document laid the groundwork for deeper bilateral defense cooperation and committed both sides to concluding a future intergovernmental agreement for the delivery of the systems to Latvia’s National Armed Forces.

The Latvian Cabinet formally endorsed the move on January 13, 2026, by approving an information report titled “On the Procurement of the Indirect Fire Support System,” which conceptually authorizes the acquisition of the Archer artillery platform.

Announcing the decision, Defense Minister Andris Spruds described the procurement as a long-term investment in Latvia’s security and a significant enhancement of its military capabilities.

“The acquisition of the artillery system is a significant step in strengthening the capabilities of the National Armed Forces,” Spruds said. “It will not only expand our indirect fire capabilities, but will also promote closer cooperation with Sweden by ensuring joint training and the exchange of experience. This will be a long-term investment in our security and defense capabilities.”

As part of the broader cooperation framework, Latvia and Sweden plan to establish a joint Archer 6×6 unit ahead of the delivery of the systems. The unit will support early capability development, training, and combined exercises, allowing Latvian forces to gain hands-on experience with the platform before the full fleet is transferred.

According to current plans, Swedish Archer systems will be deployed to Latvia starting in 2026. Until Latvia receives its own systems, Sweden is expected to lease Archer platforms to ensure continuity in training and operational familiarization.

Procurement Framework

While full contractual details have not yet been disclosed, Latvia has allocated $185 million in its 2026 defense budget for indirect fire support capabilities, according to Latvian public broadcaster LSM.

The funding covers a range of systems, including mortars, missiles, and howitzers, and is expected to support both procurement and integration costs associated with the Archer program.

Latvian officials have also emphasized the participation of the domestic defense industry in the supply chain linked to the acquisition.

The June 2025 letter of intent highlighted industrial cooperation as a key component of the deal, aligning with Latvia’s broader objective of strengthening national defense manufacturing and sustainment capacity.

Archer System Capabilities

The Archer is a 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer designed to deliver high mobility, rapid firepower, and enhanced survivability on the modern battlefield. Developed by BAE Systems, the system is currently in service with the land forces of Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.

One of the platform’s defining features is its armored crew cabin, which protects against small arms fire and shell fragments while allowing the system to operate with a reduced crew. The Archer is optimized for “shoot-and-scoot” operations, enabling it to vacate a firing position approximately 30 seconds after completing a fire mission.

According to the manufacturer, the system can fire six rounds and reposition up to 500 meters in under two minutes. This capability significantly reduces vulnerability to counter-battery fire, a growing concern in high-intensity conflicts where adversaries employ advanced sensors and rapid-response artillery.

The Archer is compatible with standard NATO 155mm ammunition as well as advanced munitions. These include BONUS top-attack anti-armor rounds and Excalibur precision-guided projectiles, allowing forces to engage a wide range of targets with improved accuracy and reduced collateral damage.

Joint Operational Capabilities

The Archer’s operational relevance has been underscored by its adoption among NATO and partner countries. In 2023, the British Army selected the Archer as an interim replacement for its AS90 self-propelled howitzers, several of which were later transferred to Ukraine to support Kyiv’s defense against Russian forces.

Ukraine’s use of the system has drawn attention to its mobility and survivability in contested environments, reinforcing its appeal to countries seeking modern, flexible artillery solutions without relying on heavier tracked platforms.

For Latvia, the choice of Archer aligns its artillery capabilities more closely with those of key regional partners, enhancing interoperability and simplifying joint operations in the Baltic region.

A central element of the Latvian-Swedish arrangement is the emphasis on joint training and operational integration. While awaiting delivery of its own systems, Latvia will send personnel to train in Sweden and participate in combined exercises using Swedish-operated Archers.

The planned joint Archer 6×6 unit is expected to serve as a platform for developing indirect fire tactics, techniques, and procedures tailored to regional defense requirements. Latvian officials have said the cooperation will also support the joint development and adaptation of the Archer system in response to evolving security conditions.

The initiative is designed to improve interoperability between the two armed forces, ensuring that Latvian and Swedish units can operate seamlessly together in both national and allied defense scenarios.

Baltic Security

The procurement comes as Latvia and other Baltic states continue to invest heavily in defense modernization following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the resulting deterioration of the regional security environment.

Artillery and indirect fire systems have emerged as critical capabilities in modern warfare, particularly in scenarios involving territorial defense and deterrence. Latvian officials have consistently identified indirect fire support as a priority area for investment, given the country’s geographic exposure and strategic role on NATO’s eastern flank.

By selecting the Archer, Latvia is signaling a preference for highly mobile, networked artillery systems that can operate effectively alongside allied forces and respond rapidly to emerging threats.

According to current plans, Defense Minister Andris Spruds is scheduled to sign a defense cooperation roadmap with Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson during a bilateral meeting on January 16. The roadmap will outline long-term security priorities, mechanisms for joint training, and the framework for deploying Swedish Archer systems in Latvia from 2026 onward.

Once the roadmap is finalized, Latvia and Sweden will move toward concluding a formal intergovernmental agreement governing the procurement, delivery schedule, and industrial cooperation associated with the Archer systems.

With Cabinet approval now secured, Latvia’s artillery modernization effort is entering an implementation phase that officials say will deliver tangible improvements to the National Armed Forces’ combat readiness and deepen defense ties with Sweden and other regional partners.