Sweden Orders 44 New Leopard 2A8 Tanks, Upgrades to 66 Older 2A5s

Sweden has secured a $1.54 billion deal with German-French defense company KNDS to procure 44 new Leopard 2A8 tanks and upgrade 66 existing Stridsvagn 122 tanks.

The Swedish Ministry of Defense’s Defense Resources Directorate finalized the deal, which will see the new Leopard 2A8 tanks customized to Swedish specifications. These tanks will be designated as Stridsvagn 123, and deliveries are scheduled to start in 2028, with completion by 2031.

In addition to the new tanks, Sweden will upgrade 66 Stridsvagn 122 units, which are based on the older Leopard 2A5 model. The upgrade will bring these tanks to the performance level of the new Leopard 2A8, improving their electronics, combat control systems, and sighting devices. The updated tanks will also be equipped with enhanced digital systems and reinforced armor. A key modification includes the installation of a Rheinmetall Rh-120/L55 gun with a longer barrel for improved ballistics and a new programmable ammunition system.

The upgraded Stridsvagn 122 tanks will reportedly be re-designated Stridsvagn 123A and 123B.

Beyond tanks, Sweden is also investing in the modernization of its CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, allocating $450 million to address mechanical issues within the fleet. The upgrades are set to be completed by 2030. Additionally, Sweden recently signed a contract with Denmark for the production of over 200 CV90 vehicles, 40 of which will be provided to Ukraine.

Sweden’s defense initiative also involves replacing heavy equipment previously donated to Ukraine, such as tanks and combat vehicles. The government has allocated over €2 billion (22 billion SEK) for military modernization, with plans to modernize the Stridsfordon 90 fleet by 2030.