As two of the Arctic Seven, Canada and Sweden’s shared commitment to protecting the Arctic frontier brings them closer than ever.
BAE Systems in Sweden shares the commitment to joining forces to bolster collective defence, security and resilience, in this strategically important region.
For nearly 50 years, BAE Systems has been the world leader in Arctic mobility, building 12,000 all-terrain vehicles and logging millions of miles in Arctic conditions.
BAE Systems’ Arctic capabilities were designed for and proven in the North of Sweden, where raw nature is both breathtaking and unforgiving. Its wild forests, towering mountains, glacial lakes, and vast Arctic tundra, mirror those of Canada’s arctic landscapes.
In an environment where the Armed Forces must be able to deploy, manoeuvre and sustain troops capable of conducting dispersed, persistent and low signature operations in the Arctic and High North, the ultimate choice for delivering the unrivalled mobility required is the Beowulf state-of-the-art dual-body all-terrain vehicle.
Already in use in European and North American Arctic theatres, and with shared technology with the armoured BvS10 used by European NATO allies, Beowulf has no equal in Arctic conditions.
With a leading Canadian industrial partnership, hot production line and supply chain, the Beowulf offers a high-quality, low-risk and cost-effective solution with a rapid path to initial operating capability. It presents a solution offering both interoperability and interchangeability with allied forces.
The vehicle’s mobility makes it unmatchable when it comes to defending Arctic borders.
Cold combat – all conditions, all terrains
The Beowulf was born from the necessity to keep soldiers safe from the elements in the most demanding and hostile places. It symbolizes strength and ferocity, providing total support where other vehicles cannot.
In desolate areas, the Beowulf provides an all-year capability to easily deal with the mobility challenges in the tundra, wetlands and undeveloped littoral terrain. Beowulf effectively operates in full spectrum operations from Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations to safeguarding the Canadian borders, independently or as base for other Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance resources.
Shoot and scoot – putting the crew first
Defending Arctic borders isn’t a solo expedition, it demands a mixed Arctic arsenal ready to defeat any threat. This is where the ARCHER mobile howitzer comes into its own, as a best of class artillery system, designed to operate in Arctic conditions and a proven difference maker in combat operations.
The ARCHER needs less than 30 seconds to spring into action and fire – and only 30 more to be on its way. No other system in the world can boast such speed and agility and, when it comes to keeping soldiers safe on the battlefield, ARCHER has no peer. It is the one to beat in next-generation automated artillery.
Available in both 6x6 and 8x8 configurations, it offers operators flexibility to adapt the system to different operational and mobility requirements.
It’s also adaptable to the chassis the user requires and can be delivered through strong Canadian industrial partnership, putting the customer needs first, always.
The future of Arctic security
Arctic security is changing and the Swedish and Finnish membership to NATO has solidified the ‘strength in numbers’ approach to strategic defence in the High North.
Industry has a unique role to play in ensuring Arctic security, working hand-in-glove with Arctic allies to identify and address capability gaps and advocate for a co-ordinated and collaborative approach to Arctic warfare.
The new Canadian Defence Industrial Strategy underscores the importance of the close relationship between armed forces and industry, putting innovation and co-development front and centre. BAE Systems is working with the Canadian Armed Forces to meet their critical capability needs and partnering with Canadian industry to transfer technology. The company’s proven track record in developing indigenous industrial capabilities for international customers, offers Canada a foundation of trust, growth and future opportunities.
Solving the challenges faced by Arctic nations requires everyone to do their part, with the joint power of international partnerships being key to keeping nations safe.