Ukraine Set to Deploy Swedish Pansarbandvagn 302 Armored Vehicles Following Official Approval.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has officially approved the deployment of Swedish Pansarbandvagn 302 (PBV 302) armored personnel carriers to its armed forces. This decision follows Stockholm’s announcement in May 2024 to provide substantial military aid to Ukraine, totaling 75 billion Swedish krona ($7.3 billion) over three years. As part of this aid, Sweden confirmed the transfer of 239 PBV 302 vehicles, representing its entire fleet. Developed in the 1960s by Hägglund & Söner, the PBV 302 was introduced into the Swedish Armed Forces in 1966 and served as the primary armored personnel carrier until its retirement from active service in 2014.
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Despite being an older platform, the PBV 302 can traverse difficult terrains, including mud, sand, and water obstacles, making it a useful asset for Ukraine’s military operations (Picture source: Swedish Armed Forces)

The PBV 302, developed by Swedish company Hägglund & Söner, saw combat in the Western Balkans and was initially deployed by the Swedish Army until 2014. While considered outdated by modern standards, the PBV 302 still provides crucial support to Ukraine's forces.

The vehicle is equipped with a 20-millimeter HS804 automatic cannon mounted in a single-seat turret on the front left of the chassis, offering effective defense capabilities. The PBV 302 is powered by a 280-horsepower Volvo-Penta Model THD 100B engine, which shares mechanical components with the Ikv 91 light tank. This configuration enables a maximum speed of 66 kilometers per hour on land and 7.5 kilometers per hour in amphibious operations.

A total of 647 PBV 302 units were produced between 1965 and 1972, consisting of 518 infantry combat versions and 129 specialized versions, including command posts, artillery fire observation, medical evacuation, and recovery. Over the years, the vehicle underwent several upgrades, resulting in models such as the PBV 302A, PBV 302B with enhanced protection, and PBV 302C with improved engine and suspension systems.

Despite being an older platform, the PBV 302 can traverse difficult terrains, including mud, sand, and water obstacles, making it a useful asset for Ukraine’s military operations. However, the PBV 302 may not match the capabilities of more modern armored fighting vehicles. Sweden has also provided around 50 Combat Vehicle 90s (CV90s), which offer superior firepower and protection compared to the PBV 302, with plans for joint production of 1,000 additional CV90s.

Ukraine’s decision to integrate the PBV 302 into its armed forces reflects a broader strategy of utilizing available resources to enhance its defensive capabilities against Russian aggression. In addition to the PBV 302, Ukraine has approved the use of Buffalo mine-sweeper vehicles and South African Mbombe 6 mine-protected armored fighting vehicles, further expanding its armored vehicle fleet. Despite the challenges posed by the PBV 302’s age, its deployment underscores Ukraine’s determination to strengthen its military capacity with the resources at hand.