Latvia greenlights purchase of Sweden’s Archer artillery systems

The Latvian government on January 13 endorsed an information report titled “On the Procurement of the Indirect Fire Support System,” formally authorising the purchase of wheeled Archer artillery systems for the country’s National Armed Forces.

As reported by Latvian media, Defence Minister Andris Spruds emphasised that the procurement represents a significant enhancement of national defence capabilities.

“This will not only expand our indirect fire capacity, but it will also foster closer cooperation with Sweden, enabling joint training and the exchange of experience. It will serve as a long-term investment in our security and defence,” Spruds stated.

Latvia had already taken the initial step in June 2025, when the Ministry of Defence signed a letter of intent with Sweden. That document included a mutual commitment to conclude an intergovernmental agreement for the delivery of 18 Archer systems to the National Armed Forces.

According to current plans, a defence cooperation roadmap will be signed on January 16 during a bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Spruds and his Swedish counterpart Pål Jonson. The roadmap will outline the long-term security priorities of both countries in the Baltic region.

Once the document is signed, Latvia and Sweden will establish a framework for joint training, begin the deployment of Swedish Archer systems on Latvian territory starting in 2026, and create a joint Archer 6x6 unit. This arrangement will allow both militaries to conduct combined exercises, refine indirect fire operations, and ensure full interoperability between the two sides.

By Tamilla Hasanova