Ukraine to Get Archer Self-Propelled Guns, CV90 IFVs, Leclerc Tanks

Ukraine is likely to get Archer self-propelled guns and CV90 infantry fighting vehicles fro, Sweden, and Leclerc tanks from France.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was quoted as saying by Cornucopia that Sweden will deliver the equipment to the war-torn country.

The 155mm Archer howitzers would be out of the 24 that Norway previously planned to acquire. However, only 20 of these systems are currently available as four are used for training and marketing needs. Swedish media suggest that Ukraine will receive a battalion of 12 Archer self-propelled guns.

The Archer self-propelled gun is a 155mm howitzer on the Volvo A30D 6×6 chassis. The artillery component of the Archer self-propelled guns is represented by a 155mm FH 77B gun with a barrel length of 52 calibers. Its maximum rate of fire is up to 9 rounds per minute. The unique autoloader system allows it to release six shells within 30 seconds in multiple-round simultaneous impact-mode. The firing range is 30 km with a conventional projectile, 40 km with a rocket-assisted projectile, and up to 60 km with an Excalibur projectile.

Sweden will also transfer 50 CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. These will most likely be of CV9040 modification – the main type of IFVs in service with the Swedish Armed Forces. The CV90 is armed with a Bofors L70 40mm gun. The protection of the vehicle allows it to withstand the 30mm shell hits.

Meanwhile, Politico reported that France is considering transferring its Leclerc tanks to Ukraine. This may be done to provide Berlin with a common tank supply platform.

“This is a complex issue that has not yet been resolved in Paris. However, we are considering it,” a French official was quoted as saying by the reports. The official was hinting at an upcoming meeting on Sunday.

“We will see what will be decided at a joint meeting of the French-German cabinet.”