Sweden to Receive 154 Tanks by 2030

Sweden will add 154 battle tanks to its army by 2030 under a contract signed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2031.

The announcement was made at the Ground Combat School (MSS) on June 12.

The tank fleet will include 110 upgraded Stridsvagn 122 tanks, which will be modified under a renovation and modernization program and re-designated as Tank 123 A. In addition, Sweden will receive 44 newly manufactured Leopard 2 A8 S tanks, to be called Tank 123 B. Ten of these new tanks will replace tanks previously donated by Sweden to Ukraine.

The supplier for both the upgraded and new tanks is KNDS, the European defense group formed by the merger of Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and France’s Nexter. The upgrade and procurement align Sweden with several other NATO countries, including Germany and Norway, which are also acquiring Leopard 2 A8 variants.

Although visually similar to the current model, Tank 123 A will include updated electronic systems, improved protection, and a new track system to support additional weight. The tanks will also be fitted with the 120 mm L55A1 cannon capable of using programmable ammunition, along with updated night sights for both the gunner and commander and enhanced sensors at the front and rear.

Tank 123 B will be a completely new vehicle and is based on the Leopard 2 A8 platform. Both variants will come with a full support package that includes ammunition, simulators, technical documentation, maintenance equipment, spare parts, infrastructure, and training for instructors, mechanics, and workshop personnel.