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Sweden to buy 24 extra Archer howitzers

Country's 2017 budget announces the move after Norway backed out of acquisition partnership.

By Geoff Ziezulewicz
Sweden will buy 24 Archer artillery systems that Norway was originally supposed to purchase, according to 2017 budget documents released this week. Försvarets Materielverk photo
Sweden will buy 24 Archer artillery systems that Norway was originally supposed to purchase, according to 2017 budget documents released this week. Försvarets Materielverk photo

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Sweden will buy 24 Archer artillery systems that Norway was originally supposed to purchase, according to 2017 budget documents released this week.

The self-propelled howitzers are all slated to be delivered by next year, Stockholm said Tuesday.

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After the two countries signed on to co-develop Archer in 2007, Norway later backed out on the plan in 2013.

The Archer system was supposed to have been operational in 2012 but has been delayed, the government said.

BAE Systems delivered the first four Archer 6x6 systems in 2013.

Stockholm announced an amended agreement with BAE Bofors AB in 2014 to begin distribution of the rest of the Archers this year.

While the plan initially called for each country to purchase 24 Archers, Stockholm's budget documents this week show Sweden will purchase all 48 units, placing half of Norway's 24 in reserve while seeking a buyer abroad for the other dozen, Jane's Defense reported.

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