Swedish army to get new KNDS simulators for its Stridsvagn 122 Main Battle Tanks.

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has recently inked a contract with KNDS Germany (KMW) for the procurement of advanced main battle tank simulators. These cutting-edge simulators have been specifically designed to cater to the Stridsvagn 122 tanks, an enhanced variant derived from the Leopard 2A5. These state-of-the-art simulators will facilitate comprehensive training for the entire tank crew, encompassing commanders, gunners, drivers, and loaders.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Tank training simulator for Leopard 2 tank drivers / Stridsvagn 122 of the Swedish army (Picture source: forsvarsmakten.se)

The implementation of these simulators will entail the replacement of Sweden's existing turret training facilities and crew training resources situated at the Ground Combat School in Skövde. Additionally, a new simulator will be introduced to the P18 regiment on Gotland. Further expansions include an increase in the number of simulators at I19 in the north and P7 in the south. The delivery of these simulators is scheduled to continue until 2029.

The Stridsvagn 122 (Strv 122) stands as a noteworthy advancement over the Leopard 2A5, boasting modern technology such as command, control, and fire-control systems, reinforced armor, and extended combat capabilities. Externally, it differentiates itself from the Leopard 2A5 through features like French GALIX smoke dispensers, altered storage compartments, and more substantial crew hatches.

The transformation from the Leopard PT A to the Stridsvagn 122 involved a weight increase of 350 kg (770 lb), while the width remained consistent at 3.75 meters. The nomenclature "Strv 122" is derived from its 120mm gun, marking it as the second tank in Swedish service to wield such a caliber, the first being the Strv 121, a Leopard 2A4 modified with Swedish elements like lights, radios, and camouflage.

Key features of the Strv 122 include heavily reinforced armor to enhance crew protection against anti-tank weapons, an advanced CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) defense system, wading capability of up to 1.4 meters, cutting-edge targeting systems, multi-target lock-on capability, and the Tank Command & Control System (TCCS) developed by Celsius Tech Systems AB, which streamlines command and control operations.

Presently, Sweden's Stridsvagn 122 main battle tanks are undergoing an extensive modernization program under a contract signed with KMW. This contract represents the largest modernization effort for tanks of this type, with 44 combat vehicles set to undergo a comprehensive upgrade. The modernization entails replacing virtually all electronic components to ensure compatibility with other modern Leopard 2s. The tanks will also receive a new L55 gun capable of utilizing programmable ammunition, new night sights for the gunner and tank commander, a night vision camera for the driver, and new tracks.

These modernized combat vehicles, designated Stridsvagn 123A, are anticipated to be delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces in 2026. As of the beginning of 2022, Sweden possessed approximately 120 Stridsvagn 122 tanks.

Stridsvagn 122 of the Swedish army (Picture source: Anders Lagerås/Wikipedia)

Defense News January 2024