Sweden’s $5M Archer Howitzer Shines in Wilderness Combat Tests

In the remote wilderness of Sweden’s northern forests, the Swedish Armed Forces recently conducted live-fire tests of the Archer Artillery System, a $5 million wheeled self-propelled howitzer revolutionizing modern warfare. Developed by BAE Systems Bofors, the Archer—known as FH77BW L52—is a fully automated 155mm L52 gun mounted on a modified Volvo A30D 6x6 chassis. These tests, conducted in August 2025 at the Vidsel Test Range, showcased the system’s unmatched mobility, precision, and rapid-fire capabilities, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Sweden’s artillery arsenal and a key asset in global defense.

The Archer’s design prioritizes speed and survivability. Its automated loading system allows a crew of three to fire six rounds in under 30 seconds, with a range of 40–50 kilometers using standard shells or up to 60 kilometers with guided munitions like the M982 Excalibur. During the wilderness tests, the system demonstrated its “shoot-and-scoot” tactic, firing accurately and relocating within minutes to evade counter-battery fire.

This mobility is critical in modern conflicts, as seen in Ukraine, where Archer systems have destroyed Russian targets with precision. The Vidsel tests, conducted in rugged subarctic terrain, confirmed the system’s reliability in extreme conditions, despite challenges like deep snow noted by Swedish officials.

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Each Archer unit, costing approximately $5 million, includes an armored cab with bullet-resistant windows, protecting the crew from small arms fire and shrapnel. The tests highlighted the system’s integration with the M151 Protector remote weapon station, enhancing defensive capabilities. Operators controlled the howitzer from the cab, firing at targets up to 50 kilometers away while navigating dense forests and uneven terrain.

The system’s automation reduces crew fatigue, allowing a single operator to manage operations if needed, a feature praised during trials.

The tests also underscored Sweden’s growing military support for Ukraine. In March 2025, Sweden authorized the delivery of 18 additional Archers and five Arthur radar systems to Ukraine, valued at €271 million, following earlier donations in 2023. Ukrainian forces, including the 45th Artillery Brigade, have lauded the Archer for its rapid deployment and accuracy, with documented strikes against Russian howitzers in Luhansk.

The wilderness tests simulated combat scenarios, ensuring the systems are battle-ready for such high-stakes environments.

Despite its strengths, the Archer faces challenges in subarctic conditions, prompting Sweden to explore tracked alternatives like the K9 Thunder for enhanced mobility in snow. However, the Archer’s wheeled design offers superior speed on roads, reaching 70 km/h, making it ideal for rapid repositioning.

The U.S. Army, which tested the Archer in 2021 at Yuma Proving Ground, expressed renewed interest in 2024 under its “mobile tactical cannon” initiative, recognizing its potential for Stryker brigades.

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These wilderness tests not only validated the Archer’s technical prowess but also highlighted its strategic importance. As global demand for mobile artillery grows, driven by conflicts like Ukraine, Sweden’s $5 million howitzer continues to set the standard for precision and adaptability.

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