Photos: FMV, KNDS Deutschland
The modernization program, referred to by the manufacturer as REMO (Renovation Modernization), began on October 10, 2023, when FMV signed a contract with the then-named Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (now KNDS Deutschland) worth approximately 3.5 billion SEK for the modernization of 44 Stridsvagn 122 (Strv 122) tanks – based on Leopard 2A5 solutions – to the Strv 123A standard.
“Since decades, we have maintained a close, friendly, and trusting cooperation with Sweden, which is also reflected in this project. Sweden has made a significant contribution to the Stridsvagn 123 A main battle tank system and has been driving the development of the LEOPARD 2 for almost 30 years,” said Florian Hohenwarter, CEO of KNDS Deutschland, during a ceremonial handover event in Munich. “The Stridsvagn 123 A is clearly one of the most modern main battle tanks and is fully interoperable in all areas with all LEOPARD 2 systems.”
FMV Tank Division Manager Niclas Lindberg illustrated the scope of the upgrade with an automotive analogy, comparing the modernization to turning a Volvo 240 into a Volvo XC60 in terms of technology and functionality.
Subsequently, on January 9, 2025, a further contract worth over 22 billion SEK was signed with German company KNDS Deutschland for the delivery of 44 new Leopard 2A8 tanks (as Strv 123B) and the overhaul and modernization of 66 Strv 122 tanks to a similar standard, the aforementioned Strv 123A. This means that the Swedish Army (Svenska Armén) will ultimately operate a total of 154 of the most modern Leopard 2 family tanks. The new order will also more than compensate for the loss following the transfer of 10 Strv 122 tanks to Ukraine, of which the majority, as many as 9, have been lost (two confirmed destroyed, five damaged, and two captured by Russian forces).
Porównując Stridsvagn 122 z Volvo 240 pod względem technologii i funkcjonalności, można powiedzieć, że dzięki tej modyfikacji budujemy Volvo XC 60 – dodał Niclas Lindberg, kierownik działu czołgów w FMV.
Upgraded Strv 123A and new Strv 123B (Leopard 2A8) / Image: FMV
The upgrade to the Strv 123A standard includes, among other things, the replacement of virtually all electronic components in the vehicles, the integration of a new Rh-120 L55 (55-caliber) gun with greater programmable ammunition capability (the Rh-120 L44 is currently in service), new night sights for the gunner and commander, a new thermal camera for the driver, an auxiliary power unit (APU), and finally new tracks with rubber pads. It also entails the removal of Sweden-specific solutions and their harmonization with the latest Leopard 2 variants in service or planned for future service in NATO nations.
Swedish soldiers will begin training on the Strv 123A in autumn of this year, with deliveries of all 110 units scheduled for completion by 2030. In the meantime, deliveries of the new Strv 123B will take place between 2028 and 2031.
The Stridsvagn 122 was developed to Svenska Armén requirements in cooperation by German KMW (now KNDS Deutschland) and Swedish Land Systems Hägglunds AB (now part of BAE Systems), based on the Leopard 2A5. Compared to the original, the vehicle received a new fire control system, new Akers modular special armor, and French Galix smoke grenade launchers. Swedish company Saab Defence and Security supplied the AGDUS laser gunnery simulation system. It is considered the best-protected tank in the Leopard 2 family.
A total of 121 tanks were produced and delivered in successive development variants: Strv 122A, Strv 122B, and Strv 122B Int., with modifications to the Strv 122C and Strv 122D standards carried out in recent years (a Strv 122B+ Evolution prototype was built in 2010). As recently as 2017, the Svenska Armén operated three line companies totaling 42 tanks.
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