RIGA — The Latvian Cabinet of Ministers has officially approved the procurement of 155 mm wheeled artillery systems for the National Armed Forces. Following a comprehensive market evaluation, the Ministry of Defence selected the “Morana” system, manufactured by the Czech company Excalibur Army, to significantly enhance the country’s indirect fire support, deterrence, and overall defense capabilities.
The decision follows a competitive evaluation process initiated in May 2024, which initially included parallel negotiations with Sweden’s BAE Systems Bofors regarding the “Archer” system. Although Latvia and Sweden signed a letter of intent in June 2025, subsequent assessments determined that the financial requirements and extended delivery timelines of the Archer system were not feasible under current resource constraints and defense plans. In contrast, the Excalibur Army proposal offered favorable pricing, expedited delivery terms, and a commitment to involving the local defense industry.
Despite shifting its primary artillery procurement to the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Defence emphasized that Sweden remains a vital strategic partner. Both nations continue robust defense cooperation—highlighted by a joint roadmap signed in January 2026 covering multi-domain operations, NATO multinational brigade contributions, and ongoing acquisitions of Swedish defense technology, such as RBS 70 NG air defense systems and Giraffe 1X radars.
