Sweden Receives First Upgraded Stridsvagn 123 Tank

Defense company KNDS has delivered the first Stridsvagn 123 tank modernized through the 2023 upgrade program to the Swedish procurement agency Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The tank is based on the Leopard 2A5 platform.

The company announced the delivery in a statement.

The modernization program includes enhanced combat capabilities, greater protection, digitalization measures, and a comprehensive logistics support package.

The modernization program, known as REMO (Renovation Modernization), covers 110 Swedish Leopard 2 main battle tanks in the A5SE (Stridsvagn 123A) and A8 (Stridsvagn 123B) configurations. The program is scheduled for completion by 2030.

“For decades, we have maintained a close, friendly, and trusted partnership with Sweden, which is also reflected in this project. Sweden has made a significant contribution to the development of the Stridsvagn 123A main battle tank system and has been a driving force behind the evolution of the Leopard 2 for nearly 30 years,” said Florian Gogenwarter, CEO of KNDS Deutschland, during the official handover ceremony in Munich on June 22.

Stridsvagn 122 Tanks

The Stridsvagn 122 (Strv 122), also known as the Leopard 2A5SE, serves as the foundation for this modernization program. The tank was developed through cooperation between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Hägglunds, which is now part of BAE Systems.

The Stridsvagn 122 (Strv 122), Sweden’s version of the Leopard 2A5, entered service with the Swedish Armed Forces in the late 1990s. Over the years, it has undergone multiple upgrades to enhance its performance, protection, and combat effectiveness in line with the specific requirements of the Swedish military.

Modernization of the Stridsvagn 122

Sweden launched the modernization of its Leopard 2 tank fleet in 2023. The program aims to standardize key systems with other Leopard 2 variants and ensure interoperability during joint operations with NATO allies.

The Stridsvagn 123A and Stridsvagn 123B versions will be equipped with the new 120 mm L55A1 smoothbore gun, capable of firing programmable ammunition, along with upgraded electronics, enhanced night sights, modernized thermal imaging systems, new protection systems, improved machine guns, and a reinforced chassis designed to accommodate the vehicle’s increased combat weight.

Overall, the modernization and expansion of Sweden’s tank fleet between 2023 and 2026 represent an investment of approximately €1.8 billion.

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) also outlined the delivery schedule in 2025. The first of 44 newly upgraded tanks are scheduled to enter service from 2026. An additional 66 upgraded Stridsvagn 123A tanks will be delivered between 2027 and 2030, while Stridsvagn 123B tanks are expected to be handed over between 2028 and 2031.

The Swedish Army is set to begin training its first crews on the upgraded tanks in the autumn of 2026.