The company has officially announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire another Swedish firm, Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB, which manufactures components and provides services for the civil, defense, and aerospace sectors.
"We manufacture components, finished products, and systems for our customers. When required, we take responsibility for the entire chain, from material procurement to delivery, including documentation and third-party inspection. We perform welding, machining, assembly, inspection, and quality control," Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB states in describing its activities.
Read more: Sweden Receives First Archer On Rheinmetall 8x8 Chassis, Abandoning Swedish Volvo Platform
The company employs around 100 people and has long served as a strategic supplier to BAE Systems Bofors and other defense companies.
BAE Systems Bofors initiated the acquisition of Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB in order to "strengthen its production capacity and supply capabilities in the European defense market, as well as enhance security within defense system supply chains."
This move directly concerns systems such as the 155 mm Archer self-propelled howitzers (often described as "sniper" artillery systems), the Tridon Mk2 counter-Shahed air defense system, the Stridsfordon 9040 (CV90) infantry fighting vehicle, as well as the 40 Mk4 and 57 Mk3 naval guns.
The fact that BAE Systems is reinforcing its production capacity for these weapon systems is also important for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Defense Forces are awaiting additional deliveries of Archer self-propelled howitzers, as well as the first batch of Tridon Mk2 air defense systems. Moreover, if Ukraine proceeds with the purchase of Swedish CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, maintaining stable production rates will be critical, especially given that these vehicles are already subject to a significant production backlog.
As of January this year, Ukraine had reportedly received 26 Archer systems — eight transferred from Swedish Army stocks and 18 newly manufactured under contract. An additional 18 Archer systems are still expected to be delivered.
It was also recently announced that Ukraine will begin receiving Tridon Mk2 counter-Shahed systems within 12 months, financed by Sweden and Denmark. This will mark the first time the Ukrainian Defense Forces receive this air defense system. Earlier reporting examined whether the Tridon Mk2 can indeed intercept targets at ranges of up to 12 km and counter missiles and guided aerial bombs (KABs).
Read more: Six European Nations to Jointly Procure CV90 IFVs: What Does This Mean for Ukraine?
