BAE Systems Bofors has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad, a Swedish maker of precision machined structures for aerospace, defence and commercial customers, BAE Systems announced on 9 February. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Why BAE Systems plc (BAE Systems Bofors) is buying Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB
BAE said Aston Harald had long been a key supplier to Bofors and that owning it would expand capacity and strengthen supply-chain resilience in the European defence market. The plant supports production of the ARCHER, TRIDON Mk2, 40 Mk4 and 57 Mk3 systems, as well as assembly work linked to the CV9040 combat vehicle.
Regulatory approvals and timing
Closing was subject to customary regulatory and pre-closing steps and was expected in the first half of 2026. BAE Systems confirmed completion in a release dated 20 May 2026.
Market context
Aston Harald, founded in 2011, employs about 100 people in Kristinehamn, the Värmland town that is also home to Bofors. European defence groups have been buying suppliers to secure capacity as NATO governments raise munitions and artillery orders.
