Sweden signs contract to modernize 110 Leopard 2A5 tanks

The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a contract for the repair and modernization of 110 Stridsvagn 122 tanks (adapted to Swedish Leopard 2A5 requirements) to the Stridsvagn 123 A (Leopard 2A8) level.

This was reported by the Swedish Armed Forces.

In total, by 2031, the army will receive 154 modern Stridsvagn 123 tanks in A and B modifications. It is reported that work on the modernization of Stridsvagn 122 tanks has already begun.

In addition, in January 2025, FMV signed a contract with KNDS for the supply of 44 new Leopard 2A8 tanks. Adapted to Swedish requirements, the vehicles will be called Stridsvagn 123 B.

The deliveries of the modernized tanks will begin in 2027 and continue until 2031, while new tanks are expected to begin arriving in 2028 with delivery completed in 2031.

Swedish Stridsvagn 123 modernization project

The Stridsvagn 122 is a Swedish variation of the well-known Leopard 2A5 main battle tank, the design of which has undergone a number of changes at the request of the customer. The vehicle received different sighting devices, a reinforced chassis, additional armor protection modules and anti-tank screens, as well as French GALAX smoke grenade launchers.

The large-scale upgrade of the vehicles to the next version of the Stridsvagn 123 involves replacing electronics, including the combat control system, gunner and commander sights with analogues installed on the Leopard 2A8. The vehicle’s driver will also receive a night vision device.

The new Stridsvagn 123 B tanks will also receive a new chassis, engine and transmission, while the modernized Stridsvagn 123 A will have these elements unchanged.

The tanks will also receive a new Rheinmetall Rh-120/L55A1 gun with an ammunition programming system and improved ballistics due to a longer 55-caliber barrel instead of the old Rh-120/L44.

As a reminder, Sweden has announced that it will increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP amid growing security threats and in line with NATO’s new policy.

“Today I would like to confirm that Sweden will reach the new NATO target of 5% of GDP for defense spending. At least 3.5% of GDP will be spent on key defense needs to meet NATO’s new capability targets,” said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

Kristersson added that the decision would be formalized after the NATO summit in The Hague on June 24-25.