Stridsvagn 122



Stridsvagn 122 (strv 122, ) is a Swedish main battle tank that, like the German Leopard 2A5, is based on the German Leopard 2 Improved variant utilizing such newer technology as command, control, and fire-control systems, reinforced armour, and long-term combat capacity. Externally, the vehicle is distinguished from the Leopard 2A5 by the French GALIX smoke dispensers, different storage bins, and the thicker crew hatches.

Development
After the strv 2000 project for a new Swedish main battle tank was cancelled, the Swedish government decided in 1991 that a foreign main battle tank was to be procured to replace the Strv 101, 102, 103 and 104 in service at the time. During the project "Strv Ny", three tank models were sent to Sweden to participate in trials: the American M1A2 Abrams, the German Leopard 2 Improved, and a prototype variant of the French Leclerc.

The trials concluded with the Leopard 2 approved as the winner and the M1A2 in second place. The shortcomings of the Leclerc were partly attributed to it still being in the development phase and not yet mature for service. In 1994 the Swedish government decided to acquire 120 new production tanks and 160 older Leopard 2A4s as a stopgap before the newer tanks were finished. The Leopard 2A4 in Swedish service became designated strv 121 while the new production became the strv 122. Of the 120 strv 122, 29 were manufactured by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann while the other 91 were manufactured by Bofors and Hägglunds.

Features
The Leopard PT A's width of 3.75 meters was maintained and the weight increased by 350 kg.

The strv 122 was designed to fight in Swedish conditions including heavily forested areas as well as urban terrain. The designation derives from the 12 cm gun; it was the second tank in Swedish service featuring this calibre (the first being the strv 121 — a Leopard 2A4 fitted with Swedish lights and radios and painted in Swedish camouflage). The Swedish strv 122 features:
 * Heavily reinforced armour to protect against man-portable anti-tank weapons.
 * An advanced CBRN defence system for protection against chemical, biological, and radioactive weapons.
 * Wading capability to pass through water up to 1.4 meters deep.
 * Quick ability to discover, identify, and lock-on a target with the assistance of a laser rangefinder, thermographic camera, and a speed/distance/accuracy calculator for maximum accuracy.
 * Ability to lock-on to numerous targets at once, enabling the tank to fight numerous enemy vehicles without having to manually re-aim the gun after every shot.
 * Active communication for improved cooperation between units.
 * Tank Command & Control System (TCCS) by Celsius Tech Systems AB.

Production and service
As of 2013, 42 of these tanks remained in active service. Most of the leased 160 Leopard 2A4s (local designation strv 121) were being returned to Germany. The active tanks are divided between three companies, two at P 4, Skövde and one at I 19, Boden. In 2015, the Swedish government decided that another tank company should be established at the P 18 regiment on the island of Gotland. This company was to be trained at P 4 and transferred to P 18 in 2019.

In 2016, Sweden ordered new upgrades for the strv 122 from Krauss-Maffei, with planned delivery between 2018 and 2023. Apart from routine renovation, the Stridsledningssystem Bataljon (a tactical battalion command system from SAAB), a new observation/gun sight (TIM) for the commander, and new communication systems for international missions, were to be added. A modular 360° ballistic protection system was originally planned but not implemented. This new upgraded version is designated strv 122C if the upgraded vehicle was originally a strv 122A variant, or strv 122D if based on a strv 122B.

On 24 February 2023 the Swedish government announced that it would send 10 strv 122A to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Strv 123A
In October 2023 the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) announced that a total of 44 strv 122 will be upgraded to the strv 123A standard. Modifications include the more powerful L/55 gun, new tracks, improved optics for the commander and gunner, and a night sight for the driver. Most of the electronics will also be replaced which will bring the tanks closer in line with more modern Leopard 2 variants. The first strv 123A tank is to be delivered in 2026.

The contract also includes the option of modernising all of the Swedish army's strv 122 main battle tanks.

Variants

 * strv 122A – Baseline variant. Entered service in 1997.
 * strv 122B – Variant with improved mine protection; modification of existing strv 122A models in 2002.
 * strv 122B Int. – Modified for international deployments in warmer climates. Command & Control Systems were made NATO-compatible. Barracuda camouflage nets that damp the infrared signature were applied.
 * strv 122C – Renovated strv 122A with updated Command & Control systems by FMV's FSV Mv division and KMW.
 * strv 122D – Renovated strv 122B with updated Command & Control systems by FMV's FSV Mv division and KMW.
 * strv 122B+ Evolution – Prototype made by IBD and Åkers Krutbruk Protection AB in 2010. Increased protection levels using more advanced composite materials.
 * strv 123A – Upgraded variant with L/55 gun, programmable ammunition, new driver's night sight and improved optics. First delivery expected in 2026.

Operational history
On 24 September 2023, during the Zaporizhzhia counteroffensive in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, two Ukrainian Strv 122 tanks were lost in combat. However, one of them was recovered shortly after, repaired, and later inspected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

On 30 October 2023, an strv 122 tank was knocked out by a Russian heavy anti-tank missile. The four crew of the tank were reported to have been seen escaping.

According to the Oryx blog as 14 April 2024, seven out of ten strv 122, have been destroyed, damaged, or abandoned during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Operators
Current operators
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden - 120 units built in Germany and Sweden, 10 were sent to Ukraine. 110 remained in Sweden.
 * 🇺🇦 Ukraine - 10 units delivered. 7 destroyed, damaged or captured.