Breaking News: Swedish PBV 302 Armored Personnel Carriers on Their Way to Ukraine Spotted in Germany.

A video posted on social media on November 29, 2024, revealed a significant combat armored vehicle shipment heading to Ukraine. The footage shows a convoy of Swedish PBV 302 tracked armored personnel carriers (APCs) being transported near the German border with Poland. These vehicles are part of a broader delivery from Sweden, which has pledged to send 250 PBV 302 units to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian forces. The sight of these armored vehicles en route to the Ukrainian border marks a crucial step in Sweden’s ongoing military assistance to Ukraine.
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A convoy of Swedish PBV 302 armored personnel carriers on a train near the German-Polish border on the way to Ukraine as part of Sweden's military support. (Picture source: Social Network)

The PBV 302s, now retired from Swedish service since 2014, are expected to bolster Ukraine's capabilities, especially in troop transport, combat support, and personnel protection in high-risk environments. Sweden’s decision to send this entire fleet of vehicles highlights its strategic value in a conflict where armored mobility and protection are crucial.

The video, which quickly gained traction online, showcases the tracked armored vehicles being moved along European logistical corridors. This operation signals not just a show of solidarity from Sweden but also an important logistical maneuver, bringing much-needed support to the Ukrainian forces. These vehicles, which were once part of Sweden’s own defense system, will now be integrated into the Ukrainian military, enhancing their ground combat readiness and operational mobility.

The PBV 302 is a tracked armored personnel carrier designed by Swedish Company BAE Systems Hägglunds. It features a hull made of all-welded rolled steel, providing complete protection against 20mm projectiles at the front, with the sides above the tracks being double-skinned for increased buoyancy and protection against HEAT projectiles. The vehicle is equipped with a one-person turret to the driver's left, armed with a 20mm Hispano-Suiza cannon capable of firing both HE and AP rounds at a rate of 500 rounds per minute. The turret offers a full 360º traverse and a +50º elevation. For observation, the driver uses three day periscopes, and the vehicle includes several periscopes for all-round observation for the commander and gunner. The driver sits centrally at the front, with a collapsible windscreen and a passive periscope for night driving.

The PBV 302's amphibious design enables it to be propelled in water by its tracks, with bilge pumps and a trim vane for water operations. The vehicle is powered by a rear-mounted engine, with a clutch and brake steering system. Troops enter and exit via two large rear doors, with nine infantrymen seated in the rear. The vehicle is highly versatile, capable of functioning as a cargo carrier or ambulance with minor modifications. It also boasts superior suspension with dual rubber-tired roadwheels and highly durable M70 tracks, offering enhanced traction in soft soil.

This shipment of PBV 302 APCs is part of a larger $1.3 billion military aid package announced by Sweden earlier in 2024. The package also includes 155mm artillery shells and airborne surveillance systems to strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend its territory. By sending these APCs, Sweden is providing Ukraine with essential tools to maintain military mobility and improve safety and protection for its troops as they engage in operations against Russian forces.

Sweden’s support aligns with its broader commitment to helping Ukraine counter Russian aggression. This donation of armored vehicles will be a crucial addition to Ukraine’s military arsenal, particularly in areas where infantry mobility is vital. As part of its continued assistance, Sweden has promised to replenish its military stocks, ensuring the country maintains its defense capabilities even as it contributes to Ukraine’s defense efforts.

These PBV 302 APCs will likely be integrated into Ukrainian formations in the coming months, providing much-needed support for troop movement, combat readiness, and force protection. The delivery of these armored vehicles is a clear signal of Sweden's ongoing and unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's continued military aggression.