Latvia has selected Excalibur Army’s Morana 155 mm wheeled artillery system after determining that the proposed acquisition of Sweden’s Archer was incompatible with approved defence plans and available funding. The Cabinet approved the Czech-made system for the National Armed Forces on 15 September, according to official government announcements.
The decision followed a detailed review of procurement costs, delivery schedules, operational performance, and participation by Latvia’s defence industry. According to the government, the Morana platform offered capability equivalent to the Archer system on more favourable commercial and delivery terms.
Procurement Timeline and Strategic Context
The Ministry of Defence began examining the market for 155 mm wheeled artillery systems in May 2024. Following market research, the ministry entered negotiations with BAE Systems Bofors for the Archer system and Excalibur Army for the Morana system.
Latvia and Sweden signed a letter of intent in June 2025 to pursue an Archer procurement agreement, which at the time envisaged 18 systems. However, further assessment found that the required funding and relatively long delivery schedule made the Swedish option unworkable under current defence-sector resources.
Industrial Participation and Technical Specifications
The Excalibur Army proposal provides for participation by Latvia’s defence industry, a factor the government identified as significant in the final selection. The Morana system itself combines a 155 mm/52-caliber gun with a Tatra 8×8 chassis, featuring an armored autonomous turret, a three-person crew, and a maximum road speed of 90 km/h according to manufacturer data cited by industry reporting.
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 amid record-high defence spending.
Did You Know? The Morana system carries 45 rounds and its 155 mm/52-caliber weapon can reach targets at distances exceeding 41 km, with an automatic loading system that allows up to six rounds during the first minute after occupying a firing position.
Bilateral Ties and Future Outlook
Riga stated that the decision to select the Czech howitzer does not change Sweden’s position as a strategic defence partner. Cooperation across the land, maritime, and air domains, as well as Sweden’s involvement in the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia, is outlined in a bilateral roadmap signed in January 2026.
Latvia continues to procure Swedish military equipment in other areas. Saab Giraffe 1X surveillance radars were delivered to the Air Force at the end of 2025, while the armed forces have placed orders for Saab Dynamics RBS 70 NG short-range air defence systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Latvian Cabinet approve the Morana artillery system?
The Cabinet approved the Czech-made Morana system for the National Armed Forces on 15 September.
Why did Latvia select Morana over the Swedish Archer system?
The government concluded that the planned purchase of Sweden’s Archer could not be delivered within available funding and approved defence plans. Morana offered equivalent capability on more favourable commercial and delivery terms, alongside local defence industry participation.
How does this decision affect relations with Sweden?
Riga stated that the decision does not change Sweden’s position as a strategic defence partner. Both nations continue robust defense cooperation under a bilateral roadmap signed in January 2026, and Latvia continues to procure other Swedish military equipment such as Saab air defense systems and surveillance radars.
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