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In February 2026, BAE Systems Bofors signed a purchase agreement to acquire Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB – a Swedish supplier of precision mechanics and advanced component machining for products within the defence and aerospace sectors, as well as the commercial market. The acquisition has now been completed.
BAE Systems' new ARCHER Mobile Howitzer has the flexibility needed to meet a wide range of mission requirements for militaries around the world.
Aston Harald is headquartered in Kristinehamn, Värmland, and employs approximately 100 people. Aston Harald has been a strategic supplier to BAE Systems Bofors for many years, as well as to other leading defence companies and commercial actors. The acquisition of Aston Harald aligns with BAE Systems Bofors’ strategy to strengthen its production capacity and delivery capability in the European defence market, as well as to enhance supply security in connection with the deliveries of the defence systems ARCHER, TRIDON Mk2, Combat Vehicle 9040 and naval guns 40 Mk4 and 57 Mk3.
Both BAE Systems Bofors and Aston Harald are based in the defence industrial cluster located in the Karlskoga region, sharing a common history and a clear focus on delivering world-class defence capabilities. The acquisition enables better and more efficient collaboration – with the right conditions to secure deliveries to Sweden and partner nations.
