UK Buys 14 Archer Self-Propelled Guns from Sweden

The UK and Swedish defence ministers signed a letter of intent today relating to a new contract to deliver 14 Swedish-built Archer self-propelled guns to the British Army.

The agreement was signed during Swedish defense minister Pål Jonson’s visit to the UK.

Swedish industry has provided support amid the UK’s programme of providing military aid to Ukraine, with hundreds of SAAB NLAW anti-tank weapons donated by the UK to bolster Ukraine’s capability. The UK today also announced a contract of nearly £5 million to replenish munitions granted to Ukraine with Saab-produced Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifles.

The purchase of Archer also enables the UK to support Ukraine through the donation of AS90 self-propelled guns, replacing them until the long-term Mobile Fires Platform delivers later this decade as part of the Future Soldier modernisation programme.

The UK said it will “continue to strongly support Sweden’s swift accession to NATO.”

“The UK will continue to give our full support to Sweden’s accession to NATO, fortifying Northern Europe and the Baltics against Russian aggression and expanding security challenges in the region,” UK Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said.