Exclusive: Swedish Strv 122 Tank in Ukraine Poses Significant Threat to Russian T-72B3M & T-80BVM Tanks.

According to information published by Russian media on December 20, 2024, Russian tank crews operating the T-72B3M and T-80BVM have raised concerns about the formidable capabilities of the Swedish Strv 122, an advanced main battle tank derived from the Leopard 2A5. These concerns highlight the increasing challenges faced by Russian armored forces in countering Western-supplied tanks on the battlefield. With its powerful armament, advanced armor protection, and cutting-edge technology, the Strv 122 has emerged as a serious threat, particularly in direct engagements where its firepower and resilience significantly outmatch many Russian platforms.
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Swedish-donated Strv 122 main battle tanks, equipped with advanced armor and firepower, deployed by the Ukrainian Army on the frontlines. (Picture source: Ukraine MoD)

The Strv 122 MBT (Main Battle Tank), while based on the German-made Leopard 2A5 tank, features several significant upgrades in terms of protection, making it one of the most well-protected variants of the Leopard 2 family. Developed in collaboration between Sweden and Germany to meet the specific needs of the Swedish Armed Forces, the Strv 122 incorporates additional armor, modern defensive systems, and enhanced survivability features that set it apart from the Leopard 2A5.

The Strv 122's main armament, the Rheinmetall Rh120/L44 smoothbore gun, mirrors the system found on the Leopard 2A5. This gun is capable of firing DM53A1 armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) projectiles at a staggering muzzle velocity of 1,670 meters per second. These projectiles can penetrate between 700 to 730 mm of rolled homogeneous armor equivalent (RHAe), allowing the Strv 122 to neutralize modern tanks at medium and long ranges.

One of the most notable upgrades is the inclusion of improved composite and modular armor packages. The Strv 122 features enhanced frontal and side armor on the turret and hull, offering greater resistance against kinetic energy penetrators and shaped charge warheads. The modular design allows damaged armor sections to be replaced or upgraded in the field, enhancing battlefield resilience.

The Strv 122 also incorporates advanced explosive reactive armor (ERA) elements designed to counter tandem warhead munitions. These additions provide additional protection against modern anti-tank missiles, which are increasingly used on the battlefield. The roof of the tank has also been fortified to provide enhanced protection against top-attack munitions, such as loitering munitions and artillery shells, which have become a critical threat in modern combat scenarios.

In addition to passive armor improvements, the Strv 122 is equipped with a modern Defensive Aid Suite (DAS). This system includes laser warning receivers, which alert the crew when the tank is being targeted, and smoke grenade launchers that can deploy multispectral smoke to obscure the tank from both optical and infrared targeting systems. Furthermore, the tank’s fire control and battlefield management systems have been upgraded, allowing the crew to react more effectively to threats.

Another crucial difference is the incorporation of a reinforced mine protection package on the Strv 122. This feature enhances survivability against anti-tank mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which are common in asymmetric warfare environments. The underbelly of the tank is specifically reinforced to withstand blasts from below, further protecting the crew and internal systems.

The Swedish Strv 122, an upgraded variant of the Leopard 2A5, features enhanced armor, advanced fire control systems, and a powerful Rh120/L44 smoothbore gun, making it one of the most capable main battle tanks in modern warfare. (Picture source Army Recognition Group)

Compared to the Leopard 2A5, the Strv 122's enhancements make it better suited to survive in the high-intensity combat environments typical of modern conflicts. Its upgraded protection systems, combined with its advanced firepower and mobility, enable it to operate effectively against advanced threats, including the latest Russian main battle tanks and anti-tank systems. These improvements underline the Strv 122's reputation as a cutting-edge main battle tank capable of meeting the demands of contemporary warfare.

The T-72B3M and T-80BVM, while formidable in their own right, face challenges in a direct engagement with the Strv 122. Both Russian tanks boast improved frontal armor. The T-72B3M offers an equivalent resistance of approximately 570–650 mm of RHAe on the turret, while the T-80BVM features more robust turret protection, ranging from 600–800 mm of RHAe. However, the armor penetration capabilities of the DM53A1 rounds place both tanks at significant risk during frontal engagements. The high penetration values of the Strv 122’s ammunition outmatch the protective capabilities of these Russian tanks.

To mitigate the threat posed by the Strv 122, Russian crews are increasingly relying on advanced anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and drone-based kamikaze systems. The Tula-manufactured 9M119M1 "Invar-M" missile, fired from the 125 mm guns of the T-72B3M and T-80BVM, is designed to engage heavily armored vehicles at distances between 4,500 and 5,000 meters. This missile employs tandem warheads capable of defeating explosive reactive armor (ERA), offering a potential solution to counter the Strv 122's advanced protection systems.

Additionally, operators of the "Lancet" loitering munitions are increasingly targeting Strv 122 tanks. These first-person-view drones, equipped with high-explosive warheads, provide a cost-effective method to neutralize heavy armor by targeting weak points such as the engine deck or top armor, areas typically less protected than the frontal arc.

The Strv 122 represents a significant challenge for Russian armored forces, particularly in head-on engagements. Its firepower, armor, and modern systems give it an edge over the T-72B3M and T-80BVM in frontal battles. However, with careful strategy, the use of long-range ATGMs, and the growing deployment of kamikaze drones, Russian forces are adapting their tactics to counter this threat. The emergence of the Strv 122 on the battlefield underscores the ongoing evolution of armored warfare, where technology, tactics, and firepower continue to shape the outcomes of conflicts.

The Strv 122 tanks, previously operated by the Swedish Armed Forces, were part of military aid packages provided to Ukraine. Sweden announced the donation of these tanks in early 2024 as part of its support for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. The first Strv 122 units were delivered to Ukraine in mid-2024 and entered service shortly thereafter.

Reports indicate that Sweden has committed to transferring a total of ten Strv 122 tanks to Ukraine, where they have already been deployed to reinforce Ukrainian armored brigades on the frontlines. This strategic donation has further amplified the challenge for Russian forces, as the advanced capabilities of these tanks add a new layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict.