BAE Sending 24 Archers to Sweden
(click to view full)
BAE Systems Bofors AB has received a SEK 100 million contract (currently about $14.3 million) from the Swedish FMV(Defence Materiel Administration) for the next phase of the 155mm Archer light mobile artillery program, designed to hit targets at ranges up to 60km/ 36 miles. It belongs in the same class as France’s Caesar, South African firm Denel’s G6, Soltam’s Atmos-2000 and Rascal, BAE’s NLOS-C, et. al. The contract includes the next step in the development of the gun system, and product definition phases for an ammunition supply vehicle and modular charges.
The contract follows an SEK 40 million contract in August 2006 for detailed design work, following program approval in June. BAE Bofors has already delivered 2 demonstrator guns that are now undergoing extensive troop trials and tests by the Swedish Armed Forces. The company will now complete final development of the system, and begin production of two battalions (24 guns), with deliveries running from 2009-2011. See BAE Systems release.
