Sweden to deploy 154 new Strv 123 tanks by 2031 to strengthen mechanized brigades' capabilities.

As reported by the Swedish Ground Combat School (MSS) on June 12, 2025, Sweden is undertaking a large-scale modernization and acquisition program that will result in the delivery of 154 Stridsvagn 123 tanks to the Swedish Army by 2031. The effort includes the refurbishment and upgrade of 110 Stridsvagn 122 tanks and the purchase of 44 newly built Leopard 2A8 tanks. The upgraded tanks will be designated Stridsvagn 123A, while the new production vehicles will be designated Stridsvagn 123B.
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While the chassis, engine (MTU MB 873 rated at 1,500 hp), and drivetrain remain the same as the Strv 122, the Strv 123A incorporates a new 120 mm L55A1 gun capable of firing programmable ammunition, replacing the older L44. (Picture source: Swedish MoD)

Both versions will be supplied by the KNDS group, a German-French defense consortium comprising Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter. Deliveries of the Strv 123A are scheduled from 2027 to 2030, while the Strv 123B deliveries will occur between 2028 and 2031. Ten of the newly purchased tanks will replace the ten units previously transferred from Sweden to Ukraine. The overall program supports the growth of the Swedish Army to four mechanized brigades and is linked to broader procurement activities, including upgrades to the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle fleet.

The modernization project began with a contract signed on October 10, 2023, between FMV (Försvarets materielverk) and KMW, covering the upgrade of 44 Strv 122 tanks into Strv 123A configuration, valued at approximately 3.5 billion SEK (about €301 million). A second, larger contract was signed on January 9, 2025, expanding the modernization to an additional 66 tanks and adding 44 newly built Leopard 2A8 tanks, with a total value exceeding €1.91 billion. These new tanks, referred to as Strv 123B, will be manufactured for Sweden by KNDS. The 110 upgraded tanks (44 already under contract and 66 added later) will come from the current Swedish fleet of Strv 122s, a version of the Leopard 2A5 developed in cooperation between KMW and Hägglunds, now part of BAE Systems. Sweden’s total tank fleet will increase by 33 units once all deliveries are completed.

The Strv 123A incorporates several changes compared to the Strv 122. While the chassis, engine (MTU MB 873 rated at 1,500 hp), and drivetrain remain the same, the modernization includes a new 120 mm L55A1 gun capable of firing programmable ammunition, replacing the older L44. The upgrade replaces almost all electronic systems to align the tank with the standard systems used in other modern Leopard 2 variants. Night vision systems for the commander and gunner are being replaced, and a night-driving camera is added for the driver. Additional changes include new forward- and rear-facing thermal sensors, upgraded machine guns and smoke grenade launchers, and the integration of new track assemblies and running gear to support increased vehicle weight. These updates aim to enhance system compatibility and facilitate operations within NATO-aligned forces, including those of Germany and Norway.

Each tank in the Strv 123 fleet will be accompanied by a complete support package. This includes various types of ammunition, multiple training simulators (FTA, BTA, TBTA, TMS, and BT46), instructor and maintenance training programs, technical documentation (instruction manuals, repair books, and maintenance schedules), administrative systems, and maintenance and diagnostic equipment. FMV is upgrading related infrastructure such as garages, workshops, and transportation systems to support operational readiness. Spare parts inventories are being reorganized, and special maintenance tools and field support kits are being introduced to enable efficient support operations. The administrative systems involved in maintenance and logistics, GoF, MVIF, BORIS, PRIO, and DITO, are being updated to align with the upgraded vehicles and new workflows.

The 44 newly manufactured tanks will be designated Strv 123B and are based on the Leopard 2A8 design. Although the external differences between the Strv 122 and the Strv 123B may be difficult to identify for non-experts, the Strv 123B is a completely new tank that includes modernized armor, updated electronics, enhanced protection, and improved mobility and firepower. Like the 123A, it is armed with the 120 mm L55A1 cannon and two 7.62 mm Kulspruta 94 machine guns, one coaxial and one for anti-aircraft use. The tank has a crew of four, measures 10.96 meters in length with its main gun, 3.76 meters in width, and 3.03 meters in height. It weighs 66.5 tons and has a maximum speed of approximately 70 km/h. Both variants are designed to integrate fully with NATO command and control structures and to support joint operations and interoperability.

The Strv 122, designated internationally as Leopard 2A5SE, was introduced into Swedish service in the late 1990s. It was originally developed through bilateral cooperation between KMW and Hägglunds. Past improvements included the addition of modular armor on the turret and hull, spall liners to mitigate internal fragmentation, and a fire suppression system. The tank is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun capable of firing multiple types of ammunition, including APFSDS, HEAT, and HE rounds. It also features a coaxial and anti-aircraft machine gun, and has seen service in NATO exercises such as the one in Slovakia in 2020. The current modernization represents the most extensive update to the platform since its introduction and is designed to ensure continued service life into the 2040s.

The Strv 123 program is overseen by Colonel Lennart Widerström, commander of the Swedish Land Warfare School (Markstridsskolan), who has been appointed implementation leader by the Chief of Army. He is supported by a deputy implementation leader and a project team composed of representatives from FMV, the Army Staff, the Swedish Armed Forces Technical School (FMTS), and the defense industry. The program will be considered complete once tank units have received the vehicles and associated systems, have trained instructors and support staff, and are capable of independently beginning initial training of soldiers and crews based on the production schedule for each unit. Once fully implemented, the program will provide Sweden with a unified fleet of 154 tanks under the Strv 123 designation, structured to support national defense requirements and Sweden’s role within NATO.