Latvia drops planned Archer purchase and selects Czech Morana 155 mm artillery system on cost, delivery and local industry grounds – defence-industry.eu

Latvia drops planned Archer purchase and selects Czech Morana 155 mm artillery system on cost, delivery and local industry grounds  defence-industry.eu

Latvia has selected Excalibur Army’s Morana 155 mm wheeled artillery system after concluding that a planned purchase of Sweden’s Archer could not be delivered within available funding and approved defence plans. Latvia has selected Excalibur Army’s Morana 155 mm wheeled artillery system after concluding that a planned purchase of Sweden’s Archer could not be delivered within available funding and approved defence plans. The Cabinet approved the Czech-made system for the National Armed Forces on 15 September. The decision followed a review of procurement costs, delivery schedules, operational performance and participation by Latvia’s defence industry. The government said Morana offered capability equivalent to Archer on more favourable commercial and delivery terms.

The Ministry of Defence began examining the market for 155 mm wheeled artillery systems in May 2024. It later entered negotiations with BAE Systems Bofors for Archer and Excalibur Army for Morana. Latvia and Sweden signed a letter of intent in June 2025 to pursue an Archer procurement agreement. Further assessment found that the required funding and relatively long delivery schedule made the option unworkable under current defence-sector resources. The Morana offer is expected to accelerate the expansion of Latvia’s indirect-fire capability. The new systems will equip artillery units and strengthen the country’s deterrence and defence posture. Excalibur Army’s proposal also provides for participation by Latvia’s defence industry. The government