Norway Pulls Out Of Swedish Artillery Contract

The Norwegian government has terminated the Archer artillery system contract stating it doesn't meet the needs of Defence within the time that remains available.

“The Norwegian-Swedish cooperation is extensive, and has in several areas proven to provide good solutions for both countries. I therefore wish to continue other aspects of cooperation,” Defense Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide was quoted as saying by Defense Aerospace, who also emphasized the positive experience with the purchase of new and upgraded combat vehicles for the Army from Swedish industry.

The military has a need to renew their artillery because the army has changed its concept of operations to be more mobile and to operate faster. There has also been an objective to acquire equipment through multinational cooperation.

Norway and Sweden therefore entered into a contract in 2007 with the goal of achieving greater operational effectiveness through joint production, which also would provide economic and industrial benefits.

The partnership also covers artillery locating radar (ARTHUR), the fire control system (ODIN), ammunition, education and training.

According to the contract, the procurement of new artillery in cooperation with Sweden includes 24 guns were to be delivered by the end of 2013 and in operation by the end of 2014.