Stridsvagn 122 is the Swedish version of the Leopard 2 main battle tank (Swedish Armed Forces)
STOCKHOLM — Sweden today announced a $1.97 billion deal for new and upgraded Leopard 2 A8 tanks, as well as upgrades to its fleet of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.
The historic tank deal, which covers 44 new Leopards and upgrades for 66 older Leopard 2 tanks, was brokered by the Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) with the German-French defense contractor KNDS. The investment will significantly strengthen the defense capabilities and contribute to completing the increase from two to four Swedish army brigades that are being built.
Combined with 44 other tanks already undergoing modernization, “We are getting 154 modern tanks and refurbished combat vehicles with these orders, which strengthens our defense capability.” Defense Minister Pål Jonson said in the government’s press release Thursday.
The new acquisition includes the replacement of the tanks previously donated to Ukraine, ensuring no net loss in Swedish armor. Currently, 10 Swedish Leopard tanks are actively deployed on the Ukrainian battlefield, operated by Ukrainian crews who received training in Sweden.
The new tanks, to be known as Stridsvagn 123, are set to begin delivery in 2028, with all units expected to be in service by 2031. This move marks the most extensive upgrade of the Stridsvagn 122 (the Swedish designation for the Leopard 2) since their acquisition in the early 2000s.
The refurbishment involves bringing the existing tanks up to par with the new ones, featuring upgrades such as new cannons for enhanced combat effectiveness, improved crew protection, increased digital capabilities, and an extended service life.
Notably, getting up to the Leopard 2A8 standard means Sweden operates the same tank system as Germany and Norway, which provides opportunities for purchasing ammunition and spare parts — the kind of interoperability that NATO members are seeking in the wake of the Ukraine conflict.
Additionally, the government has approved the renovation of approximately 500 existing CV90s, a spokesperson from the Swedish Ministry of Defence told Breaking Defense. The effort is set to be completed by 2030, at a rough price tag of $448 million. This maintenance and upgrade are deemed essential due to the evolving security policy landscape.
“This investment in tanks and combat vehicles is a pivotal part of the largest rearmament effort by the Swedish defense since the 1950s,” Jonson added, underlining the urgency driven by the deteriorating security situation.
Corrected 1/10/2022 at 7:09 am ET: The original version of this story incorrectly stated the number of CV90 vehicles set to be renovated. That number has been updated to reflect the correct figure.
