Sweden to receive 110 new Strv 123A tanks to strengthen its four mechanized brigades.

On January 9, 2025, Sweden announced a major investment in its armored forces, which includes the acquisition of 44 new Leopard 2A8 tanks, designated Stridsvagn 123B, and the modernization of 66 Stridsvagn 122 tanks to the Strv 123A standard, in addition to 44 units already undergoing upgrades. The total investment, valued at just over €1.91 billion, aims to strengthen Sweden's four mechanized brigades and Battle Group Gotland. The initiative also includes upgrades to CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.
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Once the modernization is completed, Sweden will field 154 tanks, consisting of 110 upgraded Stridsvagn 123A tanks and 44 newly built Stridsvagn 123B tanks. (Picture source: Swedish MoD)

The 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks will be purchased from the German-French consortium KNDS, with ten units replacing tanks donated to Ukraine. This procurement increases Sweden's tank fleet by 33 units. The modernization effort, overseen by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), involves upgrading 110 existing vehicles. This includes 66 Stridsvagn 122 tanks, which will be upgraded to the Stridsvagn 123A standard, as well as 44 tanks already undergoing refurbishment. This is part of Sweden's largest armored modernization effort since the Cold War.

The delivery schedule indicates that the new Stridsvagn 123B tanks will be delivered between 2028 and 2031. Upgrades to the 110 Stridsvagn 122 tanks are expected to be completed between 2027 and 2030. Minister of Defense Pål Jonson stated that the initiative aligns with the parliamentary goal of doubling the size of Sweden's army to four brigades and addresses current and future military capability needs, particularly in light of the conflict in Ukraine.

The Stridsvagn 123A modernization includes several upgrades, such as the installation of 120mm/L55 caliber cannons, enhanced protection systems, updated digital communication capabilities, and advanced night vision systems for commanders and gunners. The tanks will also receive new track assemblies for improved mobility and durability, as well as NATO-compatible command and control systems to enhance operational coordination.

Additional upgrades include improved machine gun systems, enhanced smoke grenade launchers, and updated ammunition types for the main gun. New training ammunition and advanced simulators—designated FTA, BTA, TBTA, TMS, and BT46—are also being introduced. These simulators will support various operational scenarios and weapons handling procedures.

The Stridsvagn 123A modernization includes several upgrades, such as the installation of 120mm/L55 caliber cannons, enhanced protection systems, updated digital communication capabilities, and advanced night vision systems for commanders and gunners. (Picture source: Swedish MoD)

To support the expanded fleet, FMV is implementing upgrades to workshops, garages, and transportation networks. Spare parts inventories are being reorganized to improve maintenance efficiency, and specialized tools and service kits are being introduced. The infrastructure improvements include expanded storage facilities and enhanced transportation capabilities to facilitate vehicle movement during training and operational deployments.

The modernization of the 66 Stridsvagn 122 tanks, originally developed through a collaboration between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Hägglunds (now part of BAE Systems), represents the most extensive upgrade to this model since the early 2000s. The upgrade process includes revisions to user manuals, maintenance plans, and spare parts catalogs to streamline logistical operations. Administrative systems such as GoF, MVIF, BORIS, PRIO, and DITO have been updated to improve maintenance and resource allocation.

The contracts for the modernization program, valued at €1.5 billion, are being executed in collaboration with KNDS and Rheinmetall Defence. This initiative includes the integration of advanced command and control systems designed for real-time data sharing, mission planning, and battlefield coordination. Additionally, CV90 infantry fighting vehicles are being refurbished at an estimated cost of €435 million, addressing maintenance and operational needs.

Observers have noted that Sweden's Stridsvagn 122 tanks, also known as the Leopard 2A5SE, used in exercises such as those in Slovakia in 2020, are undergoing electronic and systems upgrades to maintain reliability. The modernization strategy includes logistical and technical infrastructure improvements, such as enhanced transportation systems, workshops, and garages, to support the fleet's operational readiness.

Once the modernization is completed, Sweden will field 154 tanks, consisting of 110 upgraded Stridsvagn 123A tanks and 44 newly built Stridsvagn 123B tanks. Each vehicle will feature upgraded weaponry, enhanced mobility, and improved digital connectivity. These measures aim to align Sweden's armored forces with NATO standards and support its military objectives.