“The acquisition of the artillery system is a significant step in strengthening the capabilities of the National Armed Forces,” said Defence Minister Andris Sprūds. “It will not only expand our indirect fire capabilities, but will also promote closer cooperation with Sweden by ensuring joint training and the exchange of experience. This will be a long-term investment in our security and defence capabilities.”
In June last year, the Ministry of Defence signed a letter of intent with Sweden, committing both sides to conclude an intergovernmental agreement in the future for the purchase of 18 Archer wheeled artillery systems for the National Armed Forces. The letter set the framework for deeper defence cooperation linked to the planned acquisition.
This Friday, Andris Sprūds will sign a defence cooperation roadmap during a bilateral meeting with Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson, reinforcing shared security interests in the Baltic region. The roadmap will also include agreement on long-term cooperation, joint training and the deployment of Swedish Archer systems in Latvia from 2026.
While awaiting delivery of the artillery systems, Latvia and Sweden will establish a joint Archer 6×6 unit to enable combined exercises and the development of indirect fire skills. This cooperation is expected to improve interoperability between the two countries’ indirect fire capabilities, provide training opportunities for Latvian forces in Sweden and lay the groundwork for the joint development of the Archer system in response to changing security conditions.
Source: Ministry of Defence of Latvia (press release).
