Sweden has received the first modernized Stridsvagn 123A main battle tank, the Swedish variant of the Leopard 2 platform, from KNDS.
The Swedish Army is expected to begin training its first soldiers on the platform in autumn this year.
The delivery follows contracts signed in 2024 and expanded in 2025 under which KNDS Deutschland will modernize all 110 Leopard 2 tanks in Swedish service to the Stridsvagn 123A standard.
“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, KNDS Deutschland CEO.
“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,” he added.
Swedish Leopard 2 Tanks
The initial delivery is part of the REMO (Renovation Modernization) program, under which Sweden’s Leopard 2 tanks are receiving enhanced combat capability, improved protection, digitalization upgrades, and a logistics support package.
Under the initiative, the Swedish Leopard 2 MBTs are also equipped with Rheinmetall’s L55 A1 120mm smoothbore gun for increased range and firepower.
The modernization program is slated for completion by 2030.
Apart from upgrading existing tanks, Stockholm also commissioned KNDS in 2024 to supply an additional 44 newly-built vehicles in the Leopard 2 A8 configuration, which will be designated as Stridsvagn 123 B.
Deliveries of the Stridsvagn 123B are expected to begin between 2027 and 2028.
Sweden is expecting to operate a 154-strong Swedish Leopard 2 fleet, assuming all planned deliveries are completed.
