TSAMTO, September 22. The Latvian Ministry of Defense announced the government's decision on September 15 to purchase 155-mm wheeled self-propelled Morana howitzers manufactured by the Czech company Excalibur Army for the country's Armed Forces.
The decision was made based on an assessment of the cost of the proposals, delivery dates, combat capabilities and the degree of participation of the national defense industry in the production process. The number of purchased installations, cost and delivery dates have not yet been disclosed.
The Ministry of Defense began exploring the market for 155 mm wheeled artillery systems in May 2024. After evaluating the proposals received, negotiations continued with the Swedish company BAE Systems Bofors on the acquisition of the Archer system and with the Czech company Excalibur Army on the purchase of the Morana system.
Despite the fact that Latvia and Sweden signed a letter of intent on the acquisition of Archer systems in June 2025, further analysis showed that, given the costs and long delivery times, the implementation of this decision is currently impossible within the framework of the defense department's existing funds and approved defense plans.
During further negotiations with Excalibur Army, an offer was received for a faster supply of cheaper systems with comparable combat characteristics. The contract also provides for participation in the supply of the Latvian defense industry.
As stated, the purchase of 155-mm wheeled artillery systems should strengthen the units of the Armed Forces providing fire support and significantly increase Latvia's defense potential and its threat deterrence capabilities.
At the same time, the Latvian Ministry of Defense stated that Sweden remains one of Latvia's strategic partners in the defense sector. In January 2026, Latvia and Sweden signed a "roadmap" for defense cooperation, providing for practical cooperation in the air, sea and land spheres, including the Swedish military presence as part of the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia, joint exercises and cooperation to enhance combat capability.
Latvia will also continue to purchase weapons systems from Swedish companies. Earlier, the Latvian Armed Forces had already acquired the RBS-70 NG air defense system and the Giraffe 1X radar from Saab.
As reported by CAMTO, the development of Morana was carried out by Excalibur Army using the experience of creating the 152/37 mm SG Dana M1 and Dana M2, as well as the technology demonstrator 155/45 mm SG DITA.
SG Morana uses a concept with an uninhabited turret installed aft. The tower with electrohydraulic drive is controlled from the cabin. The azimuth angle range is 60 degrees. to the right and left of the longitudinal axis of the machine.
The howitzer's armament includes a 155 mm/52 caliber cannon with a two-chamber muzzle brake, an automatic loading system and an artillery ballistic station. The carried ammunition is 45 rounds.
The maximum firing range depends on the projectile/propellant charge combination. The firing range of the 155-mm extended-range ERFB-BB-RA (Extended-Range Full-Bore-Base-Bleed -Rocket-Assisted) active-rocket ammunition is up to 41.5 km.
The Morana is mounted on a TATRA chassis with an 8x8 wheel formula and has a maximum speed of 90 km/h on the highway. The installation is designed for 3 people housed in a four-door armored cabin providing protection that meets the requirements of the STANAG-4569 Level standard.2. For self-defense, the cabin is equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun.
