Sweden disputes Latvia’s reasons for dropping Archer deal
Saturday 19th September 2026 on 19:15 in
Latvia
Latvia has abandoned its planned purchase of Sweden’s Archer self-propelled howitzers and chosen the Czech company Excalibur Army’s Morana systems instead, LSM reported. The Defence Ministry cited a significantly lower price and faster delivery times, but the Swedish manufacturer disputes several of its arguments.
Latvia had signed a letter of intent with Sweden for the Archer purchase, but the document did not create legal obligations.
Defence Minister Raivis Melnis said Latvia’s National Armed Forces had initially considered both systems suitable for its needs, but had preferred the Czech offer. The government has now returned to that choice.
Melnis said the Czech Morana systems met the armed forces’ required delivery schedule, while the price difference compared with the Swedish system amounted to tens of millions of euros. The planned savings will be redirected to other defence capabilities.
“The system may perhaps be better in some respects, but if the commander of the armed forces and his soldiers say they are ready to go to war with this system, train with it and that it suits them, while saving money and receiving the system within the timeframe they need, then the decision is simple: we go with what is needed and what we can afford,” Melnis said.
Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson said on the social media platform X that Sweden had hoped to supply Latvia with Archer but accepted the Latvian government’s decision.
“Sweden remains convinced that its comprehensive Archer offer to both countries would have delivered long-term strategic and industrial benefits. A joint artillery system would have enabled deeper cooperation in training, maintenance, logistics and long-term servicing,” Jonson wrote.
Archer manufacturer BAE Systems also rejected the Defence Ministry’s explanation. The company said its final offer had not been delayed, met Latvia’s requested delivery schedule and was competitively priced.
BAE Systems said Latvia could have received the first leased Archer one month after signing the contract, with deliveries of new systems beginning in 2027.