Sweden enhances Ukraine’s defense capabilities by providing 18 advanced artillery systems

Sweden has announced its intention to provide an additional 18 advanced Archer artillery systems to Ukraine, along with five ARTHUR counter-battery radar systems, as part of its continued support for Kyiv in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

This announcement, made today, signifies a notable increase in Sweden’s military assistance to Ukraine, aimed at enhancing the nation’s capacity to defend against Russian artillery attacks.

The aid package, estimated to be worth around $271 million, will be acquired and supplied through Sweden’s defense administration, with the Archer systems expected to be delivered starting in 2026 and the radar systems as early as 2025.

This initiative highlights Sweden’s dedication to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities in a war that has now entered its third year, reflecting a wider international commitment to equip Kyiv with advanced weaponry.

The Archer artillery system, created by BAE Systems Bofors in Sweden, is a state-of-the-art, self-propelled howitzer designed for quick deployment and accurate strikes. It is mounted on a modified Volvo A30D 6×6 all-terrain chassis and features a 155mm gun with a barrel length of 52 calibers, capable of firing standard rounds over distances greater than 30 miles.

When using specialized munitions such as the M982 Excalibur, a GPS-guided shell, its range can extend to nearly 37 miles. The system’s automation distinguishes it from many conventional artillery systems, as it can be operated entirely from an armored cabin by a crew of three or four, which is shielded from small arms fire and shrapnel.

The Archer can fire up to eight rounds per minute and has a magazine capacity of 21 shells. It also boasts a distinctive feature known as Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact, enabling a single unit to strike a target with up to six shells simultaneously by adjusting the firing angle and charge, thereby maximizing its destructive capability.

In addition to its impressive firepower, the Archer’s wheeled configuration allows it to reach speeds of approximately 43 miles per hour on paved roads. It can swiftly switch from travel to firing mode in less than 30 seconds and can relocate just as rapidly after launching a barrage.

Supporting the Archers in this assistance package are the ARTHUR radar systems, which are also designed in Sweden and excel at pinpointing enemy artillery positions. These mobile radar units, mounted on trucks, can detect incoming projectiles and determine their origin within seconds, providing coordinates for counterattacks at distances of up to 25 miles or more, depending on the circumstances.

The system’s capability to track multiple targets at once makes it an essential asset for identifying and neutralizing threats such as Russian howitzers or rocket launchers. Together, the Archers and ARTHUR radars create a powerful combination, allowing Ukrainian forces to detect enemy locations and respond with accurate, long-range fire.

Ukraine’s current stock of Archer systems began with an initial shipment of eight units from Sweden in 2023. These systems, delivered as part of a previous aid package, arrived in November and were rapidly integrated into the Ukrainian military, particularly within the 45th Separate Artillery Brigade.

Footage from late 2023 showcased these howitzers engaging Russian targets, marking their first combat use in the ongoing conflict. The decision to provide these initial eight units followed extensive discussions in Stockholm, with Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson highlighting their significance for enhancing Ukraine’s mobility and precision on the battlefield.

With the recent commitment of an additional 18 units, Ukraine’s total number of Archers will increase to 26 upon completion of the deliveries, greatly enhancing its access to this advanced technology. The United Kingdom also contributed to the broader Archer framework by acquiring 14 systems from Sweden in 2023 to replace older howitzers sent to Ukraine, although none of these have been redirected to Kyiv.

Western analysts have lauded the Archer’s performance, frequently emphasizing its combination of speed, accuracy, and resilience. Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, referred to it as “a standout system in modern artillery warfare.” He highlighted that its automation and quick redeployment capabilities minimize crew exposure to counter-battery fire, which remains a significant risk in the ongoing conflict.

Kofman noted that the Archer’s range and precision provide Ukrainian forces with a strategic advantage in striking Russian positions from a secure distance. Conversely, Russian military experts have expressed a more cautious perspective.

Viktor Murakhovsky, a retired colonel and editor of Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine, recognized the Archer’s advanced technology but contended that its success is largely contingent on crew training and logistical support—areas where he asserts Ukraine faces challenges. “It’s an impressive weapon on paper,” he remarked in a recent interview, “but amidst the turmoil of this war, its benefits can diminish without adequate maintenance and coordination.”

The introduction of these systems is anticipated to bolster Ukraine’s operational capabilities, especially in countering Russia’s artillery-dominant tactics. While the Ukrainian military has depended on a combination of Soviet-era artillery and NATO-supplied howitzers, the Archer offers a degree of automation and mobility that is largely unmatched.

BulgarianMilitary.com indicates that integrating Archers with ARTHUR radars could significantly alter the dynamics of artillery confrontations, enabling Ukraine to more effectively neutralize Russian artillery while reducing its own casualties. The radars’ capability to accurately locate enemy fire within seconds, combined with the Archer’s extended range and rapid firing capabilities, establishes a system optimized for swift reactions.

This advancement could hinder Russian attempts to maintain sustained bombardments, a strategy that has characterized much of the conflict along the front lines. Additionally, the Archer’s wheeled design provides a strategic advantage over tracked systems, particularly in Ukraine’s diverse landscapes, ranging from muddy fields in spring to snow-laden roads in winter, thereby enhancing its operational versatility.

While there is ongoing speculation regarding the potential deployment of these new systems, certain areas emerge as likely candidates. The eastern front, especially around Donetsk and Luhansk, has experienced significant artillery confrontations since the onset of the war, with Russian forces leveraging their numerical superiority in artillery to challenge Ukrainian defenses.

The flat and open terrain in this region could be well-suited for the Archer’s long-range capabilities, enabling it to target deep into Russian-controlled territories while remaining out of their reach. Alternatively, the southern front near Zaporizhzhia, where Ukraine aims to regain territory, could benefit from the system’s agility and accuracy, particularly when integrated with offensive maneuvers.

Analysts from BulgarianMilitary.com suggest that Kyiv may allocate some military units to the northern border near Kharkiv, an area that has faced intermittent shelling from Russian artillery targeting Ukrainian positions. Although no official plans for deployment have been revealed, the adaptability of these systems indicates they could be strategically positioned across various sectors to enhance their effectiveness.

Sweden’s choice to extend this support aligns with a wider pattern of Western assistance to Ukraine, albeit with considerations for domestic implications. Since the onset of Russia’s invasion in 2022, Sweden has contributed $2 billion in military aid, and this latest package further increases that amount.

Swedish officials have emphasized the critical need to assist Ukraine, with Defense Minister Jonson highlighting that artillery support is a primary focus for Kyiv’s military. Concurrently, Sweden is also enhancing its own defense capabilities, having ordered an additional 48 Archers for its armed forces in 2023.

The provision of 18 more Archers to Ukraine will leave Sweden with 24 units in active service, a distribution that officials believe ensures national security while supporting an ally. Additionally, the ARTHUR radars, although a smaller contribution, are significant, with deliveries set to commence next year to offer immediate advantages on the battlefield.

As the conflict continues, the introduction of these systems could signify a pivotal enhancement in Ukraine’s artillery strength, although their overall effectiveness will hinge on factors such as training, ammunition availability, and Russia’s counteractions.

The Archers’ performance in Ukraine thus far—evidenced by their deployment by the 45th Brigade against Russian forces—indicates their potential for success. However, increasing the number to 26 units will challenge Ukraine’s capacity to effectively integrate and maintain them.

At this moment, Sweden’s commitment provides a tangible enhancement to Kyiv’s military resources, strengthening a partnership that has deepened throughout the conflict. The specifics of this aid package, including the timeline for Archer deliveries in 2026, will likely influence how Ukraine utilizes these assets in the forthcoming months and years.