Latvia Chooses Czech Morana Over Swedish Archer Self-Propelled Howitzer

Latvia will purchase Czech 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers Morana.

The country’s Cabinet of Ministers made the decision based on an analysis of cost, delivery timelines, operational capabilities, and the level of involvement of the local defense industry, Latvia’s Ministry of Defence reported.

The agency began market research for 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers in May 2024, after which detailed negotiations were held with Sweden’s BAE Systems over the Archer and Czech company Excalibur Army over the Morana.

Although in June 2025, Latvia signed a letter of intent with Sweden to purchase Archer systems, further analysis showed that the high cost and long delivery timelines of the Swedish systems did not align with the available resources and defense plans.

The country had planned to purchase 18 Swedish self-propelled artillery systems, and it will likely order the same number of Czech systems.

Morana Self-Propelled Howitzer

The Czech Morana self-propelled howitzer was developed by Excalibur Army and first presented in 2022 as the next generation of wheeled self-propelled artillery systems following the Dita and Dana.

The self-propelled howitzer is built on a modified four-axle Tatra 815-7 (8×8) chassis with an armored cabin that protects the crew from shrapnel and small arms fire.

The Morana’s main armament is a 155mm 52-caliber howitzer with a fully automated turret at the rear of the vehicle.

Due to its high level of automation, the self-propelled howitzer has a crew of just three, while gun servicing and ammunition loading can be carried out without the crew leaving the cabin.

The howitzer has a maximum firing range of more than 40 km, depending on the type of ammunition used, while the turret carries 45 rounds.

Lithuania will establish a service and repair center for French CAESAR self-propelled howitzers.

Investments in the development of new infrastructure and the purchase of specialized equipment will amount to €12 million.