BAE Systems Bofors Archer 8x8

History

The BAE Systems Bofors Archer 8x8 is a Swedish wheeled self-propelled howitzer configuration based on the Archer artillery system and an Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles HX2 8x8 truck chassis. It was developed as a road-mobile alternative within the Archer family and complements the earlier Archer 6x6 configuration.

The Archer 8x8 configuration was revealed in 2019. BAE Systems Bofors subsequently began trials of the HX2-based variant, which were reported in January 2020. The first Archer of this configuration was delivered to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV, in April 2026.

Sweden ordered 48 Archer 8x8 self-propelled howitzers in September 2023. According to FMV information reported by Janes, the contract was valued at SEK 5 billion, equivalent to about USD 482 million at the time.

Swedish deliveries

On 26 August 2026, FMV and BAE Systems announced that the first four Archer 8x8 howitzers had been delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces at the Villingsberg firing range. The vehicles were assigned to the Bergslagen Artillery Regiment A9.

Two additional vehicles were scheduled for delivery during the fourth quarter of 2026. The first six systems were intended for conscript training. The regiment planned to introduce the Archer 8x8 during the fourth quarter of 2026 and use it for training beginning in the 2026–27 training year, while also employing the type to equip combat units. FMV planned to complete delivery of the remaining systems by 2030.

Design

The Archer 8x8 places the Archer self-propelled artillery system on the Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles HX2 truck platform. This distinguishes it from the earlier Archer 6x6 configuration based on a modified Volvo articulated vehicle.

FMV's Archer 8x8 project manager described the HX2 truck configuration as easier to manoeuvre and drive and generally more comfortable because it follows truck standards. He also stated that the 8x8 configuration provides slightly greater protection than the Archer 6x6 and significantly higher road mobility.

The broader Archer artillery system uses a fully automated 155 mm L52 gun-howitzer. The available sources identify the HX2 vehicle as a new chassis configuration of the Archer system but do not provide a complete variant-specific technical specification for the 8x8 model.

Program status

The first four production vehicles for the Swedish Armed Forces were delivered in August 2026. They formed the initial part of Sweden's 48-vehicle order and were intended to support the introduction of the new configuration at the Bergslagen Artillery Regiment.

Swedish plans called for six Archer 8x8 systems to be available for conscript training following the additional two deliveries scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. Deliveries of the complete Swedish order were planned to continue through 2030.

Variants

• Archer 8x8: Archer self-propelled howitzer configuration mounted on an RMMV HX2 8x8 tactical truck. Sweden ordered 48 systems in 2023.
• Archer 6x6: Earlier Archer configuration based on a modified Volvo A30D six-wheel-drive articulated vehicle. The Swedish Archer 8x8 is intended to complement this configuration.

Operators

• Sweden: Ordered 48 Archer 8x8 self-propelled howitzers in September 2023. The first four were delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces in August 2026, with two more planned for the fourth quarter of 2026 and completion of deliveries planned by 2030.

Specifications (Archer 8x8)

General characteristics

• Type: Wheeled self-propelled howitzer
• Chassis: Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles HX2 8x8 tactical truck
• Main artillery system: Archer 155 mm L52 gun-howitzer system

Performance

• Road speed: approximately 80–90 km/h

Armament

• Main weapon: 155 mm L52 gun-howitzer