Breaking News
Ukrainian Forces Consider Swedish Strv 122 Based on Leopard 2A5 Best Tank to Face Russia.
On October 27, 2024, the United 24 channel unveiled exclusive footage of the Swedish Strv 122 main battle tank, currently used by the Ukrainian armed forces. This tank, based on the Leopard 2A5, is distinguished by its upgrades and reinforced armor, making it a formidable asset on the battlefield. It is considered the preferred tank of the Ukrainian forces for combating Russian troops, due to its robust protection and advanced capabilities. In light of recent tank losses and the need to protect these valuable armored vehicles, the Ukrainian forces have decided to equip the Strv 122 with heavy camouflage to enhance its survivability.
Swedish Strv 122 Tank based on Leopard 2A5 with Camouflage (Picture source: Wikimedia)
Sweden's decision to supply Strv 122 tanks to Ukraine was announced on February 24, 2023, on the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This support included ten Strv 122 units, aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities against an increasingly intense Russian offensive. Ukrainian crews underwent training in Sweden to learn how to operate and maintain the tanks before their deployment on the battlefield.
To date, three of the Strv 122 tanks provided have been destroyed during operations, mainly due to artillery fire and anti-tank missiles in the Kharkiv and Luhansk regions, highlighting the challenges faced by armored vehicles on the battlefield.
Since their arrival in Ukraine, the Strv 122s have demonstrated exceptional resilience in combat. The tank's advanced composite armor, which includes high-hardness steel, tungsten, and ceramic components, has provided vital protection against anti-tank threats. In a notable engagement in September 2023, a Strv 122 was hit by a 60-pound Kornet anti-tank missile that struck the turret, a vulnerable area. Despite the impact, the crew emerged unharmed, attesting to the tank's robust design and survivability enhancements.
The 21st Mechanized Brigade has faced multiple challenges in recent months, with its tanks encountering mines, anti-tank missiles, and drone attacks. In September, several tanks from the brigade were damaged, although reports indicate that most of the damage was superficial, thanks to the Strv 122’s additional composite armor. The tanks have proven capable of withstanding lighter attacks, although vulnerabilities remain when exposed to heavier munitions or direct hits to sensitive areas.
The Ukrainian army has suffered significant tank losses since the beginning of the conflict, largely due to the intensity of the fighting and the increased use of modern weapon systems by Russian forces. Ukrainian tanks have frequently been targeted by guided anti-tank missiles, mines, and armed drones, leading to considerable destruction and damage. Older models, which are less well-protected, have been particularly vulnerable to modern armor-piercing munitions and kamikaze drone strikes. In response to these challenges, the army has stepped up efforts to modernize its fleet, notably by integrating Western tanks like the Strv 122 with improved armor and heavy camouflage to reduce visibility and protect these valuable assets on the battlefield.
As of late October 2024, Ukraine has lost approximately 60 Western tanks in the conflict. These losses include various models, such as the German Leopard 2, British Challenger 2, and the Swedish Strv 122. The majority of these tanks were lost due to targeted strikes from anti-tank guided missiles, artillery fire, and drone attacks, which have proven highly effective against even the most modern armored vehicles. Despite these losses, Western tanks continue to play a crucial role in the modernization of the Ukrainian army's armored forces
The heavy camouflage applied to the Strv 122 plays a crucial role in improving the tank's survivability against modern threats, such as drone attacks, anti-tank missiles, and enemy surveillance systems. This coating aims to reduce the tank's visibility on the battlefield by disrupting its silhouette and minimizing visual and infrared signatures, making targeting more difficult for drones and other detection devices. Complementing the Strv 122's reinforced armor, the camouflage helps increase protection against precise strikes, particularly those from kamikaze drones and guided weapons, providing a proactive defense against new engagement tactics in the field.
During a visit to the brigade’s base, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inspected several Strv 122 units, which showed signs of battle damage. Photographs taken during this visit revealed the extent of the damage, which was mainly minor and repairable. The tanks' resilience has helped maintain operational tempo and troop morale, even in challenging conditions.
The Strv 122, based on the Leopard 2A5 platform, benefits from numerous enhancements that set it apart from earlier Leopard models. One of its key features is a sophisticated Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense system that ensures crew safety across various combat scenarios. The tank’s ability to cross water obstacles up to 1.4 meters deep also allows it to maintain mobility and flexibility on the battlefield.
For targeting and communication, the Strv 122 integrates state-of-the-art systems, including laser rangefinders, thermographic cameras, and precision calculators, enabling the crew to engage multiple targets simultaneously. This level of targeting accuracy and communication capability is facilitated by the Tank Command & Control System (TCCS), developed by Celsius Tech Systems AB, which optimizes decision-making processes and enhances coordination between units.
The main armament of the Strv 122 is a Rheinmetall L/44 120 mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing a variety of specialized ammunition, such as armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, effective against modern armor, and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, suitable for both armored vehicles and softer targets. The secondary armament includes two Ksp m/94 7.62 mm machine guns and GALIX smoke grenade launchers, providing additional firepower and protection capabilities.
The impact of the Strv 122 on the battlefield has not gone unnoticed by Russian forces. Recently, there was an attempt to recover a damaged Strv 122A following an engagement in which the tank was targeted by a Russian drone, forcing the Ukrainian crew to abandon the vehicle. Russian recovery vehicles were deployed to retrieve the tank, likely with the intention of reverse-engineering its technology or using it for propaganda purposes.
However, Ukrainian drone operators from the 3rd Assault Brigade successfully thwarted these efforts, targeting the Russian recovery vehicles and halting the evacuation process. This incident highlighted the risks associated with recovering valuable military equipment in contested areas and underscored the importance of preventing adversaries from acquiring Western technology.
The failure of the Russian recovery attempt has broader strategic implications. The Strv 122, with its advanced design and capabilities, represents a significant technological interest for Russian military forces. The capture or reverse-engineering of such equipment could potentially compromise the technological advantage that Western-supplied systems provide to Ukrainian forces. Therefore, safeguarding these assets remains a critical priority for the Ukrainian military.
The Strv 122 was produced between 1994 and 2002, with a total of 120 units manufactured. Production was carried out by two main companies: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, responsible for 29 chassis, and Land Systems Hägglunds AB, which produced 91 chassis. The Strv 122 comes in two variants: the Strv 122A, with 110 units built, and the Strv 122B, comprising 10 units with additional modifications.
Weighing 62.5 tons and measuring nearly 10 meters in length, 3.75 meters in width, and 3 meters in height, the Strv 122 is a formidable machine. It is powered by a V-12 MTU MB 873 Ka-501 diesel engine, delivering 1,500 horsepower, which allows the tank to reach a maximum speed of 68 km/h (42 mph) and an operational range of approximately 550 kilometers (340 miles). The advanced suspension system and high ground clearance contribute to its stability and maneuverability, crucial for navigating the varied terrains encountered during operations in Ukraine.
The deployment of Strv 122 tanks has played an important role in enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities, particularly in the contested regions of Eastern Ukraine. The combination of heavy armor, firepower, and advanced systems provides a strategic advantage in resisting Russian advances. Recent engagements involving the Strv 122 have also highlighted the persistent threats posed by anti-tank missiles, mines, and drone attacks, which continue to challenge the resilience of military equipment and the ingenuity of frontline units.
The camouflage of Western next-generation tanks, like the Strv 122, is increasingly becoming an essential strategy in response to the evolving threats of the modern battlefield. By reducing detection and complicating targeting, it provides an additional layer of protection for these assets, which have become particularly valuable following the significant losses suffered by the armed forces. As current conflicts highlight the importance of technological adaptation and concealment, the question remains: to what extent can advancements in camouflage techniques compensate for the development of detection and weapon capabilities, and what will be the future of tanks in an increasingly technological warfare environment?