SWEDISH FMV RECEIVES FIRST BATCH OF ARCHER ARTILLERY SYSTEM FROM BAE

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has taken delivery of the first batch of four FH77 L52 Archer artillery systems under contract from BAE Systems during a ceremony at the company’s facility in Karlskoga, Sweden. The delivery follows a $200 million contract secured by BAE for supply of a total of 48 artillery systems, including 24 each for the Swedish and Norwegian armed forces, along with associated ammunition handling systems in 2010. FMV Director General Lena Erixon said the delivery is a combined effort of Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation (FLO), BAE Systems Bofors and FMV. A development of the 155mm towed FH77 L39 system, the Archer is a fully automated 155mm howitzer and a M151 Protector remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) mounted on a modified 6x6 chassis of Volvo A30D all-terrain truck, and is designed for rapid deployment and high mobility in demanding operational scenarios.