– This letter of intent is clear evidence that Archer is a world-leading and sought-after artillery system. We are pleased that Sweden and Latvia are now initiating cooperation with concrete plans moving forward. In this way, we continue to strengthen the defense capability of our partner states worldwide, says Stefan Löfström, Director of Marketing and Sales at BAE Systems Bofors.
The LOI is intended to pave the way for an intergovernmental agreement and enhanced defense cooperation between the countries, press release from the Ministry of Defense.
– This partnership demonstrates a commitment to strengthening regional security and deterrence amid geopolitical challenges, writes Latvia's Defense Minister Andris Sprūds, in a post on X/Twitter.
The parties have also committed to exploring the possibility of establishing a joint Archer unit based on a 6x6 platform, as well as conducting joint personnel training. Until the new system is delivered, the Armed Forces will lease systems to Latvia according to the agreement.
– Archer has been very beneficial in Ukraine and has proven to be very useful. This strengthens our collective defense and creates a stronger Swedish defense industry, writes Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) on X/Twitter.
The letter of intent was signed yesterday, June 10, by Major General Andis Dilāns, Deputy State Secretary for Procurement at Latvia's Ministry of Defense, and Göran Mårtensson, Director General of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, at the Latvia - Sweden Defence Forum at the Latvian Embassy in Sweden. The forum was conducted in cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and the Security and Defence Industry Association, SOFF.