Sweden will buy 44 new German Leopard 2 A8 battle tanks as the country aims to modernise its military arsenal by upgrading CV90s.
Sweden is going to purchase Pal Jonson, the Minister of Defence. He recently announced a contract for $1.97 billion that will involve the acquisition of 44 new Leopard 2 A8 tanks, the upgrade of its existing fleet of 66 older Leopard 2 tanks, and the upgrade of its fleet of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.
The Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the German-French defence contractor KNDS mediated the historic tank agreement. The transaction includes improvements for 66 ageing Leopard 2 tanks as well as 44 new Leopard tanks. Furthermore, the investment will help complete the rise from two to four Swedish army brigades that are now being constructed, resulting in a considerable strengthening of defence capabilities.
According to the statement, "We are getting 154 modern tanks and refurbished combat vehicles with these orders, which strengthens our defence capability." This is in addition to the 44 other tanks that are already undergoing technological advancement. Thursday's government press release included statements made by Defence Minister Pål Jonson.
As a result of the new acquisition, the tanks that were previously donated to Ukraine will be replaced, ensuring that there will be no overall loss of Swedish armour. Ten Swedish Leopard tanks are currently being actively deployed on the battlefield in Ukraine. These tanks are being operated by Ukrainian personnel who have received training in Sweden.
The delivery of the new tanks, which will be referred to as Stridsvagn 123, is scheduled to begin in 2028, and it is anticipated that all of the units will be put into service by 2031. Since their acquisition in the early 2000s, the Stridsvagn 122, the Swedish designation for the Leopard 2, has undergone what is considered the most significant overhaul it has ever received.
Refurbishing entails upgrading the existing tanks to the same level as the new ones. This includes installing enhancements such as new cannons that improve the tanks' efficacy in combat, crew safety, higher digital capabilities, and extended service life.
Getting up to the Leopard 2A8 standard is significant because it implies that Sweden uses the same tank system as Germany and Norway. This opens up chances for acquiring ammunition and replacement parts, which is the kind of interoperability that NATO nations seek in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine.
However, according to a Swedish Ministry of Defence representative, the government has approved the restoration of around 500 CV90s that are already in operation. The endeavour will be finished by 2030 at approximately $448 million. Given the constantly shifting security policy landscape, this maintenance and upgrade are considered to be absolutely necessary.
