Sweden seeking to replace ARTHUR weapon locating system

Sweden plans to replace its in-service ARTHUR WLS, with the procurement process beginning in 2026. Pictured is the rear view of the ARTHUR weapon locating radar integrated on an M113F4 series tracked armoured platform. (Christopher F Foss)

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has issued a request for information (RFI) on 5 February for the replacement of its Saab ARTHUR (ARTtillery HUnting Radar) weapon locating system (WLS).

According to the RFI provided to Janes , the Swedish Armed Forces seeks a future WLS capability to support indirect fire and counter-fire operations at the brigade level. The system must also “include the capability to sense and warn friendly forces of threats originating from indirect fire. As such, it must be integrated into the C2 [command-and-control] and ISTAR [intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance] systems of the land forces”, the RFI said.

Along with this, the new WLS must be able to sense, detect, classify, and localise unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and counter such threats, the RFI added.

An FMV spokesperson informed Janes that the authority is aiming to procure either an active or passive WLS primarily designed for detecting adversary indirect fire threats, with the procurement process anticipated to take place between 2026 and 2031.

Further details, including the requirements, criteria, goals, and performance measures, as well as operational concepts and scenarios, are deliberately absent in the RFI as the intent is to gather up-to-date market insights directly from suppliers, the spokesperson said.

The deadline for responding to the RFI is 6 March.