Sweden has made a significant decision to enhance its defense capabilities by announcing a $1.97 billion deal for new and upgraded Leopard 2 A8 tanks, alongside renovations to its fleet of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.
This historic agreement involves the acquisition of 44 new Leopard tanks and upgrades for 66 older Leopard 2 tanks and has been brokered by the Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) in collaboration with the German-French defense contractor KNDS. This investment is expected to significantly bolster Sweden’s defense readiness as the country aims to expand its army from two to four brigades.
Defense Minister Pål Jonson stated in a press release that, when combined with the 44 tanks already undergoing modernization, “We are getting 154 modern tanks and refurbished combat vehicles with these orders, which strengthens our defense capability.”
The purchase also includes replacement tanks for those previously donated to Ukraine, ensuring that Sweden does not experience a net loss in armored vehicles. At present, 10 Swedish Leopard tanks are actively deployed in Ukraine, operated by Ukrainian crews trained in Sweden.
The new tanks, designated as Stridsvagn 123, are anticipated to start delivery in 2028, with all units expected to be operational by 2031. This commitment marks the most extensive enhancement of the Stridsvagn 122 (the Swedish version of Leopard 2) since their entry into service in the early 2000s.
Refurbishments will ensure the existing tanks meet the standards of the new models, including upgrades such as new cannons for improved combat effectiveness, enhanced crew protection, increased digital capabilities, and a longer service life.
Notably, adopting the Leopard 2A8 standard aligns Sweden’s tank systems with those of Germany and Norway, which opens up opportunities for shared procurement of ammunition and spare parts—an essential factor for the interoperability sought by NATO members in light of the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
In addition, the Swedish government has approved modernization efforts for 90 existing CV90 vehicles, aiming for completion by 2030 at a projected cost of $448 million. These upgrades are regarded as vital in response to the evolving security landscape.
“This investment in tanks and combat vehicles is a pivotal part of the largest rearmament effort by the Swedish defense since the 1950s,” Jonson emphasized, highlighting the urgency driven by the deteriorating security situation.