Government decides to procure Czech-made artillery systems for the Armed Forces

On Tuesday, 15 September, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to procure 155 mm wheeled artillery systems, the “Morana”, manufactured by the Czech company “Excalibur Army”, for the needs of the National Armed Forces. The decision was made following an assessment of the costs of the offers, delivery times, operational capabilities and the involvement of the local defence industry in the procurement.

The procurement of 155 mm wheeled artillery systems will strengthen the indirect fire support (artillery) units of the National Armed Forces, significantly enhancing Latvia’s deterrence and defence capabilities.

The Ministry of Defence launched market research for the procurement of 155 mm wheeled artillery systems in May 2024. Following the evaluation of the offers, negotiations continued with the Swedish company “BAE Systems Bofors” regarding the procurement of the “Archer” system and with the Czech company “Excalibur Army” regarding the procurement of the “Morana” system.

Although in June 2025 Latvia and Sweden signed a letter of intent committing to conclude an agreement in the future for the procurement of the “Archer” system, further assessment of the process concluded that, given the financial resources required and the relatively long delivery times, implementation of this solution is currently not feasible within the resources available to the defence sector and the approved defence plans.

Continuing negotiations with “Excalibur Army” resulted in an offer for an operationally equivalent artillery system with more favourable pricing and delivery terms, thereby making it possible to significantly accelerate the development of the National Armed Forces’ artillery capability. Another significant advantage is that the involvement of the local defence industry is envisaged as part of the contract.

At the same time, Sweden remains one of Latvia’s strategic partners in the field of defence. In January 2026, Latvia and Sweden signed a defence cooperation roadmap providing for practical cooperation in the air, maritime and land domains, including Sweden’s military presence in the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia, joint exercises and cooperation in capability development.

Latvia also continues to procure defence equipment and systems from Swedish companies. The National Armed Forces have ordered the “RBS 70 NG” short-range air defence systems from “Saab Dynamics”, while the Air Force received “Giraffe 1X” air surveillance radars manufactured by “Saab” at the end of 2025.

Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335129
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv