Latvia’s government has confirmed plans to acquire Archer 155 mm self-propelled howitzers from BAE Systems, marking a significant enhancement of its military capabilities. This acquisition aims to bolster Latvia’s defense cooperation with Sweden, the first country to adopt the Archer system.
As part of the agreement, which includes the purchase of 18 howitzers, Latvia and Sweden plan to establish a joint Archer unit. This initiative will facilitate joint training and the deployment of Swedish Archers in Latvia beginning in 2026. The Latvian Ministry of Defence emphasized the importance of this collaboration for strengthening both nations’ military readiness.
Andris Sprūds, Latvia’s Defence Minister, highlighted the significance of the purchase: “The purchase of the artillery system is an important step in strengthening the capacity of the National Armed Forces. It will not only expand our indirect fire capabilities but also promote closer cooperation with Sweden, ensuring joint training and exchange of experience.”
The financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but this move follows a letter of intent signed between Riga and Stockholm in June 2023. The Archer howitzer is already in use by several military forces, including the Ukrainian military and the British Army, which acquired the system to replace its AS90 howitzers sent to Ukraine.
Latvia’s decision to procure the Archer howitzers aligns with its broader defense strategy, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The country has been ramping up its defense spending, with its parliament recently approving a record-high defense budget for 2026, which allocates 4.91% of its gross domestic product (GDP)—approximately €2.16 billion ($2.51 billion)—to military expenditures.
This increase in defense funding identifies the enhancement of indirect fire support capabilities as a priority project. Latvia’s approach reflects a regional trend among the Baltic States, as both Estonia and Lithuania are also enhancing their military capabilities in response to evolving security threats.
In summary, Latvia’s acquisition of the Archer howitzers is a strategic move to bolster its defense forces and enhance cooperative military efforts with Sweden. The establishment of a joint Archer unit is expected to facilitate improved operational readiness and collaboration between the two nations as they navigate a changing security landscape in Europe.
