Combat Vehicle 90 for Afghanistan

Swedish troops have on two occasions been subjected to rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attacks in Afghanistan. This is made clear in Army Inspector Berndt Grundeviks analysis of the events of 7 and 8 November, when Swedish soldiers found themselves under fire in northern Afghanistan.>> Major General Grundevik is now recommending that the Swedish Armed Forces should take new measures including the deployment of Combat Vehicle 90 (CV 90) to Afghanistan.>> The Swedish Armed Forces have stated in recent weeks that the incidents lie within the threat and risk assessment previously carried out by the Swedish Military Intelligence and Security Service.>> In my capacity as tactical commander, I consider that these incidents have involved greater risk. I should like to make it clear, however, that this is my own view, and now that the report has been completed, a deeper analysis by the Swedish Military Intelligence Service will also be needed, says Maj Gen Grundevik.>> Following the incident on 7 November, empty 7.6239 mm cartridge cases and an RPG grenade, the type fired from an RPG rocket launcher, were found at the location of the shooting.>> At least one, but probably two or three, RPG grenades were fired during this incident. It is estimated that two or three explosions were also heard on 8 November, a fact that has emerged from interviews and witness statements. Since the propellant pack for an RPG was subsequently found approximately 300 metres from the location where the troops came under fire, these explosions are judged to have come from the firing of RPG rounds, says Berndt Grundevik.