Rheinmetall Secures Contract to Deliver HX Protected Military Trucks for Swedish Archer Artillery System

Rheinmetall has finalized a contract with BAE Systems Bofors AB, a Swedish company, to supply 48 all-terrain HX Cab Chassis with protected cabins.

These mobile 8x8 military vehicles, manufactured by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV), will be utilized as carriers for the Swedish Armed Forces' Archer artillery systems.

The contract, which was concluded in March 2024, holds a value of approximately €71 million and encompasses an extensive service and maintenance package. Deliveries of the vehicles are slated to commence in the third quarter of 2024 and are anticipated to conclude by the end of 2027.

The HX vehicles have been specifically adapted to fulfill the requirements of a 155mm wheeled howitzer, ensuring their capability to withstand the pressure wave generated during firing and to provide superior off-road mobility. The incorporation of the hardened Rheinmetall integrated armored cabin significantly enhances crew protection in high-risk scenarios. This contract signifies the inaugural series integration of the Archer system on the HX truck family. The integration process will be executed by BAE Systems Bofors AB. Currently, the Swedish Armed Forces utilize the Archer wheeled artillery system on a 6×6 platform, which will be replaced by the new HX-8x8 systems.

RMMV's HX2 series high-mobility trucks are already extensively utilized by the Swedish Armed Forces, serving as logistics trucks and carrier vehicles for the Patriot air defense missile system. The adaptable 'family concept' of the HX vehicle family facilitates the seamless integration of the new artillery system into the existing logistics infrastructure of the Swedish Armed Forces.