Archer is based on Volvo A30D, all-terrain articulated hauler.
Link
It is a proven vehicle for cross country operation and mining operation (known for their notorious temporary road). Volvo A30D can very well perform on sand dunes. It as a proven track record for the same
All parameters of Volvo A30D are well documented and publicly available. Volvo A30D is more than capable for operation in all type of terrain even better than K9. The terrain argument is deeply flawed.
Armored thrust in Pakistan is a pipe dream. It has been a pipe dream sense Kargil. Pakistan has downgraded nuclear threshold to such a lower level that any large Indian formation in Pakistani soil will be nuked. Indian strategic planners have identified this hence cold start strategy.
Large scale tank battle like in 1965 or 1971 have become antiquated.
Any major action will take place in Punjab where both countries have huge population centers near to border. Rajasthan desert will have very less action. Pakistan tried once and badly failed. Its highly unlikely they will try again.
Thar desert offers no cover and all vehicles will be targeted by cluster munitions and MRLS.
No same commander will send large formation over Thar desert.
MRLS and cluster munitions are preferred in open spaces like Thar desert over tube artillery.
Ground.
Artillery is not expected to engage enemy infantry in direct combat but things go haywire in combat and artillery has cover of infantry. Counter battery fire is the biggest threat to any artillery. K9 can't also survive counter-battery fire.
SPA is procured to fight in Punjab, Jammu and now LAC.
If you have procured SPA to move armored divisions their is no need for concealment as such.
Archer is less bulky and voluminous than K9.
The two reasons why I believe Archer was not selected
- Ghost of Bofors Scandal haunting congress - main factor
- Erratic policies of Sweden viz. a vis. India