Defence minister Melnis questions costly "Archer" howitzer choice, government to decide on next steps

Latvia's government is set to decide next week, in a closed session, whether to continue with the planned purchase of Swedish "Archer" artillery systems or switch course, according to Latvian broadcaster TV3's programme "Nekā personīga".

The Latvian army currently operates M109 self-propelled howitzers acquired from Austria, but these are slower and have a range of only about 22 kilometres, prompting a search for a more capable system. Under former Defence Minister Andris Sprūds, Latvia favoured Sweden's "Archer" 8x8 system, signing a letter of intent with Sweden in June 2025 for 18 new units. The government gave conceptual backing to the plan in January this year.

New minister raises doubts

Current Defence Minister Raivis Melnis, who took office in late May, says "Archer" was the more expensive of two offers and would take several years to deliver, potentially delaying the armed forces' development plans. He notes it was not the only system the army deemed suitable — tests also approved "Morana", a system from Czech company Excalibur Army, which was cheaper.

Sprūds rejects the criticism, insisting the decision was based on the advice of military experts and the National Armed Forces (NBS). He acknowledges that closer cooperation with Sweden was one argument in favour of "Archer" but denies that the military's view was disregarded.

Former prime minister also had questions

Former Prime Minister Evika Siliņa has said that closed-door discussions with Sprūds covered both the price and whether "Archer" was truly the best fit, given that Ukraine's war experience points to the value of larger numbers of cheaper systems rather than a small number of expensive ones. She later received informal indications that the military's actual position may have differed from what she was told.

Questions also remain about planned training with Sweden's interim 6x6 "Archer" units, which differ significantly from the 8x8 version, and about specific ammunition Latvia currently lacks in sufficient quantity. The military's formal assessment of the systems remains classified, so the public cannot verify which system was actually recommended. The deal was intended to be financed through the EU's SAFE instrument, which requires a signed contract this year.