Sweden has decided to invest $320m in modernising 44 Stridsvagn 122 tanks because of the war in Ukraine

The Swedish Armed Forces will launch an upgrade programme for Stridsvagn 122 tanks. The decision is related to the war in Ukraine.

Here's What We Know

The modernisation of the Stridsvagn 122 fleet was announced by the Scandinavian country's Defence Estates Administration. To implement the project, Sweden signed a contract with the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. The agreement was worth SEK 3.5bn, or approximately $320m.

The upgrade will allow the Stridsvagn 122 tanks to remain operational for the next decade. This was stated by Jonas Lotsne, head of the Army's equipment business unit. Deliveries of the modernised tanks will start in 2028.

After the upgrade, the combat vehicles will be designated Stridsvagn 123A. The modernisation will bring a new electronic component to ensure compatibility with the more modern Leopard 2 tanks. By the way, the Stridsvagn 122 itself is a Swedish copy of the Leopard 2A5.

The combat vehicles will be equipped with the L55 cannon, which will allow the use of programmable ammunition. They will also receive new sights, thermal imaging cameras and a tracked platform. A total of 44 Stridsvagn 122 tanks will be modernised, i.e. more than a third of the entire fleet.

Source: FMV