The first four Archer 8x8 units have been handed over from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to the Swedish Armed Forces. The guns will go to the Bergslagen Artillery Regiment (A 9), where the new Archer version will be introduced into conscript training during the 2026-2027 training year.
The handover took place at the Villingsberg firing range (central Sweden) on 25 August, according to a press release from BAE Systems Bofors. The four units are the first to be handed over to the Armed Forces under the ongoing delivery programme.
"This step is the result of close cooperation between BAE Systems, FMV and the Armed Forces. Seeing the Archer systems formally handed over is proof of our joint commitment to strengthening Sweden's long-range artillery capability. I am very proud of everyone who has contributed to reaching this point. This milestone paves the way for continued deliveries," says Lena Gillström, President of BAE Systems Bofors, in the company's press release.
According to FMV, the four units will be supplemented by a further two during the autumn. All six will be used for training conscripts at A 9. The handover of the remaining units will then begin, with delivery planned to be completed by 2030 at the latest.
"Archer 8x8 will be introduced at the Bergslagen Artillery Regiment A 9 during autumn 2026. The new version enters active conscript training as of this training year (26-27) and will become part of future war-fighting units," says Colonel Henrik Rosdahl, Regimental Commander of A 9, in FMV's press release.
FMV has contracted BAE Systems Bofors for 48 Archer 8x8 units. The new variant uses a protected truck as its carrier and will complement the Archer 6x6 units on dumper chassis already in service with the Armed Forces. According to FMV, the 8x8 version can travel at 80 to 90 kilometres per hour on roads, compared with 50 to 60 kilometres per hour for the dumper variant.
"The upgraded version of the Archer artillery system represents a major increase in capability for the army and the artillery. Archer 8x8 will be important for strengthening artillery capability in southern Sweden and on Gotland (the strategic Swedish island in the Baltic Sea). Modern warfare depends on indirect fire and requires long-range systems," says Brigadier General Per Nilsson, Acting Chief of Army, in FMV's press release.
NDS reported in October 2025 that the first firings with the Archer 8x8 had been carried out at the Boden South firing range (northern Sweden). In January, the first Archer 8x8 left production at BAE Systems Bofors. In April, the first unit was delivered to FMV for receipt inspection.