Sweden has received the first Stridsvagn 123A tank, a modernized version of the former Stridsvagn 122, the Swedish variant of the Leopard 2A5.
According to the Ukrainian portal Militarnyi, the delivery was carried out by the German company KNDS to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and is part of a broad modernization program for the country’s armored force.
The program calls for the modernization of 110 tanks to the Stridsvagn 123A standard by 2030. The upgrades include increased protection, digitization of onboard systems, new electronic equipment, and a logistical support package.
Among the main changes is the adoption of the 120 mm Rh-120 L55A1 cannon, which is longer and offers greater range than the previous model, as well as new sensors, night observation systems for the commander and gunner, cameras for night driving, and greater digital integration between platforms.
According to KNDS, the Stridsvagn 123A is among the most advanced tanks in the Leopard 2 family and has full interoperability with other operators of the model within NATO. The Swedish Army is expected to begin training its first crews in the second half of 2026.
The modernization is part of a broader Swedish rearmament effort. In addition to the 110 Stridsvagn 123A tanks, the country has also ordered 44 new Leopard 2A8 tanks, which will receive the designation Stridsvagn 123B. In total, the Swedish Army is expected to have 154 modernized or new tanks by 2031.
Photo: KNDS. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
