Stridsvagn 122
{{Short description|Swedish main battle tank}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = Stridsvagn 122
| image = Strv122 3 cropped.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| type = Main battle tank
| is_vehicle = yes
| is_UK = no
| used_by ={{Tree list}}
{{Tree list/end}}
| wars ={{Tree list}}
{{Tree list/end}}
| designer =
| design_date =
| manufacturer = Krauss-Maffei Wegmann: 29 chassis
Land Systems Hägglunds AB: 91 chassis
| unit_cost = US$5.74 million (FY 1994)
(~$11.9 million FY 2023)
| production_date = 1994–2002
| number = 120
| variants = Strv 122A (110 chassis)
Strv 122B (10 chassis)
| weight = {{convert|62.5|t}}{{cite web |url=http://fmv.se/sv/Projekt/Stridsvagn-121-och-122-Leopard-2-/Fakta/ |title=Leopard 2 – Stridsvagn 122 Facts |website=Swedish Defence Materiel Administration |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027030616/http://www.fmv.se/sv/Projekt/Stridsvagn-121-och-122-Leopard-2-/Fakta/ |archive-date=27 October 2016 |url-status=dead}}
| length = {{convert|9.97|m|ftin|abbr=on}} (gun forward)
| width = {{convert|3.75|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|3.0|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| crew = 4
| armour = 3rd generation composite; including high-hardness steel, tungsten and plastic filler with ceramic component.
| primary_armament = 1 x 12 cm kan strv 122 (120 mm Rheinmetall L44 smoothbore tank gun)
42 rounds
| secondary_armament = 2 x 7.62×51mm NATO Ksp m/94 machine gun
4,750 rounds
4 x 2 GALIX smoke grenade launchers
| engine = MTU MB 873 Ka-501 liquid-cooled V-12 Twin-turbo diesel engine
| engine_power = 1,500 PS (1,479 hp, 1,103 kW) at 2,600 rpm
| transmission = Renk HSWL 354
| fuel_capacity = 1,200 liters (317 US gallons; 264 imp. gal)
| pw_ratio = {{convert|24.19|PS/t|abbr=on}}
| suspension = Torsion-bar suspension
| clearance = 540 mm
| vehicle_range = {{convert|550|km|mi|abbr=on}} (internal fuel)
| speed = {{convert|68|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
}}
File:Swedish Leopard 2 Tank.jpg
Stridsvagn 122 (strv 122, {{IPA|sv|ˈstrɪ̂tːsvaŋn|IPA|Sv-Stridsvagn.ogg}}){{efn|"Strv" is the Swedish military abbreviation of stridsvagn, Swedish for chariot and tank (literally combat wagon), while the number "122" comes from the Swedish designation system for tanks, where the two initial numbers, 12, indicates the calibre of the tank’s main gun, 12 cm, and the last number indicates that it is the second tank model with said calibre to enter service with the Swedish military. Note, the Swedish designation "stridsvagn 122" and abbreviation "strv 122" are not "names" canonically and should not be capitalized within a sentence.}} is a Swedish main battle tank that, like the German Leopard 2A5, is based on the German Leopard 2 Improved variant using 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.fmv.se/WmTemplates/Page.aspx?id=1106 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050210213646/http://www.fmv.se/WmTemplates/Page.aspx?id=1106 |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 February 2005 |title=Stridsvagn 122|date=10 February 2005 |website=Försvarets materielverk |accessdate=3 November 2018}}
Development
After the strv 2000 project for a new Swedish main battle tank was cancelled,{{Cite web |title=Projekt "Stridsvagn 2000" |url=http://www.ointres.se/strv_2000.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923154354/http://www.ointres.se/strv_2000.htm |archive-date=23 September 2023 |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=www.ointres.se}} 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.
File:Stridsvagn 121 (Swedish Leopard 2A4).jpg
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 and the other 91 were manufactured by Bofors and Hägglunds.{{Cite web |title=Projekt "Stridsvagn Ny" |url=http://www.ointres.se/projekt_stridsvagn_ny.htm |access-date=13 May 2022 |website=Ointres |place=SE |archive-date=18 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718171654/http://www.ointres.se/projekt_stridsvagn_ny.htm |url-status=live }}
Features
The Leopard PT A's width of 3.75 meters was maintained and the weight increased by {{convert|350|kg}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/news/items/MBT122B_with_new_Protection.html?file=tl_files/resources/content-pdfs/2010-12%20New%20MBT122B%20Evolution%20with%20Unprecedented%20Protection.pdf |title=New MBT122B Evolution with Unprecedented Protection |access-date=28 December 2010 |website=IBD Deisenroth Engineering |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008032615/http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/news/items/MBT122B_with_new_Protection.html?file=tl_files%2Fresources%2Fcontent-pdfs%2F2010-12%20New%20MBT122B%20Evolution%20with%20Unprecedented%20Protection.pdf |archive-date=8 October 2011 }}
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:{{cite web |url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/information-och-fakta/materiel-och-teknik/mark/stridsvagn-122/ |title=Stridsvagn 122 |access-date=26 January 2018 |website=Försvarsmakten |language=sv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121005751/http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/information-och-fakta/materiel-och-teknik/mark/stridsvagn-122/ |archive-date=21 November 2017 |url-status=live }}
- 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
Only 42 strv 122 tanks were in active service as of 2013,{{cite web |url=http://fighting-vehicles.com/strv-122-tank/ |title=Strv 122 Tank |website=Fighting vehicles |date=3 December 2016 |access-date=25 November 2017 |quote=42 Strv 122 remain in active service. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171127213438/http://fighting-vehicles.com/strv-122-tank/ |archive-date=27 November 2017 |url-status=live}} with each tank being rotated with those kept in storage to minimise wear. They were divided between three companies, two at the Skaraborg Regiment, P 4 at Skövde and one at Norrbottens Regiment, I 19 at Boden.{{cite web |url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=457 |title=Stridsvagn 122 (Strv 122) Main Battle Tank (1998) |work=Military factory |date=2011 |access-date=23 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316171905/http://militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=457 |archive-date=16 March 2015 |url-status=live }} That August the Swedish government announced that it would be upgrading its strv 122 tanks to extend their operational lifespan to 2030. Initial reports stated that 56 tanks were set to be upgraded but this figure was later revised to 42.{{Cite web |date=21 August 2013 |title=Hälften får stå i förråd |url=http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/fordon_motor/article3746549.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823190423/http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/fordon_motor/article3746549.ece |archive-date=23 August 2013 |access-date=1 September 2024 |website=nyteknik.se}}{{Cite web |last1=Dahlin |first1=Niklas |last2=Kleja |first2=Monica \ |date=21 August 2013 |title=Nu rustas Leopardstridsvagnen |url=https://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/fordon_motor/article3746554.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824153056/https://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/fordon_motor/article3746554.ece |archive-date=24 August 2013 |access-date=2 September 2024 |website=nyteknik.se}} In 2016, upgrades for 88 tanks were ordered. The tanks would receive a tactical battalion command system from SAAB ({{lang|sv|Stridsledningssystem Bataljon}}), a new observation/gun sight (TIM) for the commander, and new communication systems for international missions. A modular 360° ballistic protection system had been planned but not implemented.
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann was contracted to do the upgrades for 46 tanks, while the remainder were handled by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) with upgrade kits procured from Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. Planned delivery between 2018 and 2023.{{cite web |url=http://fmv.se/sv/Projekt/Stridsvagnssystem/ |title=Stridsvagnssystem |first=Magnus |last=Hellgren |website=FMV |place=SE |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104085530/http://fmv.se/sv/Projekt/Stridsvagnssystem/ |archive-date=4 November 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nyteknik.se/fordon/nu-rustas-leopardstridsvagnen-6402804#conversion-122831618 |title=Nu rustas Leopardstridsvagnen |website=Nyteknik |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20181104050239/https://www.nyteknik.se/fordon/nu-rustas-leopardstridsvagnen-6402804#conversion-122831618 |archive-date=4 November 2018 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=20 February 2019 |title=Uppföljning av pågående större anskaffningar |url=https://www.fmv.se/globalassets/dokument/om-fmv/fmv-ar18-bilaga-1-faststalld-slutversion.pdf |access-date=2 September 2024 |website=fmv.se}}
In 2015, the Swedish government decided that an additional tank company should be established on the island of Gotland. This company was to be trained at P 4 and transferred to the re-established Gotland Regiment, P 18 in 2019.{{Cite web |last=Leino |first=Per |date=13 December 2017 |title=Klartecken för Gotlands regemente |url=https://helagotland.se/samhalle/klartecken-for-gotlands-regemente-14995163.aspx |access-date=3 October 2022 |website=Helagotland |place=SE |language=sv |archive-date=6 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006062634/https://helagotland.se/samhalle/klartecken-for-gotlands-regemente-14995163.aspx |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Verksamhet på Gotland |url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/organisation/gotlands-regemente-p-18/var-verksamhet-pa-gotland/ |access-date=3 October 2022 |website=Försvarsmakten |language=sv |archive-date=10 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610035041/https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/organisation/gotlands-regemente-p-18/var-verksamhet-pa-gotland/ |url-status=live }}
On 24 February 2023 the Swedish government announced that it would send 10 strv 122A to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.{{Cite web |author=Regeringen och Regeringskansliet |date=24 February 2023 |title=Heavy advanced weapons to Ukraine in new support package |url=https://www.government.se/press-releases/2023/02/heavy-advanced-weapons-to-ukraine-in-new-support-package/ |access-date=2 March 2023 |website=Regeringskansliet |language=en |archive-date=16 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616100528/https://government.se/press-releases/2023/02/heavy-advanced-weapons-to-ukraine-in-new-support-package/ |url-status=live }}
= Stridsvagn 123A =
In October 2023 the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) announced that a total of 44 strv 122 would 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.{{Cite web |title=FMV tecknar kontrakt om omfattande uppgradering av stridsvagn 122 |url=https://www.fmv.se/aktuellt--press/aktuella-handelser/fmv-tecknar-kontrakt-om-omfattande-uppgradering-av-stridsvagn-122/ |access-date=13 April 2024 |website=www.fmv.se |language=sv}}{{cite web |title=Stridsvagn 122 blir stridsvagn 123A |url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/aktuellt/2023/10/stridsvagn-122-blir-stridsvagn-123a/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011100858/https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/aktuellt/2023/10/stridsvagn-122-blir-stridsvagn-123a/ |archive-date=11 October 2023 |access-date=11 October 2023 |website=Försvarsmakten}}
The contract also includes the option of modernising all of the Swedish army's strv 122 main battle tanks.{{Cite web |title=KNDS is modernising Sweden's fleet of main battle tanks – KNDS |url=https://www.knds.de/en/news-media/press-releases/detail/knds-is-modernising-swedens-fleet-of-main-battle-tanks/ |access-date=13 April 2024 |website=www.knds.de}}
= Stridsvagn 123B =
In January 2025, the Swedish government announced the purchase of 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks in an order worth approximately €2 billion. The order also includes upgrading the rest of Sweden’s stridsvagn 122 fleet to stridsvagn 123A standard.{{cite web|title=Sweden to purchase 44 German Leopard tanks|url=https://www.dw.com/en/sweden-to-purchase-44-german-leopard-tanks/a-71254958|access-date=11 January 2025|website=Deutsche Welle}}{{cite web|title=FMV uppgraderar och nyanskaffar stridsvagnar|url= https://www.fmv.se/aktuellt--press/aktuella-handelser/fmv-uppgraderar-och-nyanskaffar-stridsvagnar/|access-date=11 January 2025|website=Försvarets materielverk}} The new tanks are to be delivered in 2028 to 2031 and will be designated stridsvagn 123B.
Variants
- Stridsvagn 122A – Baseline variant. Entered service in 1997.{{Cite web |title=Strv 121 / Strv 122 |url=http://www.ointres.se/strv_121_och_strv_122.htm |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=Ointres.se |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225091959/http://ointres.se/strv_121_och_strv_122.htm |url-status=live }}
- Stridsvagn 122B – Variant with improved mine protection; 10 were upgraded from existing strv 122A models in 2002.
- Stridsvagn 122B Int. – Variant for international deployments in warmer climates with NATO-compatible command and control systems as well as infrared signature damping Barracuda camouflage nets; four were converted from strv 122A models in 2011{{Cite web |title=Stridsvagn |website=SPHF |url=https://www.sphf.se/svenskt-pansar/fordon/stridsvagn-2/ |access-date=12 May 2022 |language=sv-SE |archive-date=28 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728234920/https://www.sphf.se/svenskt-pansar/fordon/stridsvagn-2/ |url-status=live }}
- Stridsvagn 122C – Renovated strv 122A with updated command and control systems by FMV's FSV Mv division and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.
- Stridsvagn 122D – Renovated strv 122B with updated command and control systems by FMV's FSV Mv division and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.
- Stridsvagn 122B+ Evolution – Prototype made by IBD and Åkers Krutbruk Protection AB in 2010. Increased protection levels using more advanced composite materials.{{Cite web |last=Lindström |first=Richard |date=2011 |title=Stridsvagn 122B+ Evolution |url=http://www.ointres.se/2011-03-18_pansar_strv122b.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331080538/http://www.ointres.se/2011-03-18_pansar_strv122b.pdf |archive-date=31 March 2022 |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=Ointes.se}}
- Stridsvagn 123A – Upgraded variant with L/55 gun, programmable ammunition, new driver's night sight and improved optics. First delivery expected in 2026.
- Stridsvagn 123B – Leopard 2A8 ordered in January 2025. First delivery expected in 2028.
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.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/09/23/the-russians-just-knocked-out-a-fifth-of-the-ukrainians-best-strv-122-tanks/|title=The Russians Just Knocked Out A Fifth Of The Ukrainians' Best Strv 122 Tanks|work=Forbes|first=David|last=Axe|access-date=24 September 2023|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109115735/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/09/23/the-russians-just-knocked-out-a-fifth-of-the-ukrainians-best-strv-122-tanks/|url-status=live}}
One of them was recovered shortly after, repaired, and later inspected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/04/ukrainian-troops-recovered-one-of-their-damaged-strv-122-tanks-in-time-for-the-tank-to-meet-the-president/?sh=24dc1da97b4b/|title=Ukrainian troops recovered one of their damaged Strv 122 tanks in time for the tank to meet the president|work=Forbes|first=David|last=Axe|access-date=6 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008182953/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/04/ukrainian-troops-recovered-one-of-their-damaged-strv-122-tanks-in-time-for-the-tank-to-meet-the-president/?sh=24dc1da97b4b/|url-status=live}}
On 30 October 2023, a 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.{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=Another Leopard 2 Down! Russia Is Destroying Ukraine's Best Tanks At An Accelerating Rate. |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/30/another-leopard-2-down-russia-is-destroying-ukraines-best-tanks-at-an-accelerating-rate/ |access-date=16 November 2023 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103204637/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/30/another-leopard-2-down-russia-is-destroying-ukraines-best-tanks-at-an-accelerating-rate/ |url-status=live }}
According to the Oryx blog as 14 January 2025, eight out of ten strv 122, had been destroyed, damaged, or abandoned during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite web |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-ukrainian.html |date=21 January 2024 |title=Attack on Europe: Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During the Russian Invasion of Ukraine |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=10 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510152646/https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-ukrainian.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://defence24.pl/wojna-na-ukrainie-raport-specjalny-defence24/leopardy-i-jastrzebie-ze-szwecji-dla-ukrainy|title=Leopardy i Jastrzębie ze Szwecji dla Ukrainy|trans-title=Leopards and Hawks from Sweden for Ukraine|first=Adam|last=Świerkowski|date=24 February 2023|website=Defence24.pl|language=pl|access-date=25 February 2023|archive-date=27 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327145158/https://defence24.pl/wojna-na-ukrainie-raport-specjalny-defence24/leopardy-i-jastrzebie-ze-szwecji-dla-ukrainy|url-status=live}}
Comparison with other main battle tanks
| class="wikitable" style=text-align:center; |
| + Comparison of some main battle tanks of the same generation |
| valign=top
! ! style=width:20% | strv 122 ! style=width:20% | M1A2 ! style=width:20% | T-90 ! style=width:20% | Leopard 2A5 ! style=width:20% | Challenger 2 |
| valign=top
! style="text-align:right;" | Unit cost | US$5.74 million (second-hand, FY 2007)Foss, p. 116. | US$6.21 million (domestic cost, FY 1999)Foss, pp. 149–153 | US$6.86 million (domestic cost, FY 1999)Foss, p. 114. | US$6.53 million (domestic cost, FY 1999)Foss, pp. 130–135 |
| valign=top
! style="text-align:right;" | Weight |
| valign=top
! style="text-align:right;" | Length | 9.97 metersFoss, p. 117. |
| style="text-align:right;" | Width |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;" | Height |
| style="text-align:right;" | Crew |
| valign=top
! style="text-align:right;" | Armour | 3rd generation composite | Composite/reactive |
| valign=top
! style="text-align:right;" | Main armament | 1x 120 mm Rheinmetall L/44 smoothbore gun | 1x M256 120 mm L/44 smoothbore gun | 1x 125 mm L/48 smoothbore gun | 1x 120 mm Rheinmetall L/44 smoothbore gun | 1x 120 mm L30 L/55 rifled gun |
| style="text-align:right;" | Main ammunition |
| valign=top
! style="text-align:right;" | Secondary armament | 1x 12.7mm heavy machine gun | 1x 12.7mm heavy machine gun | Coaxial 7.62×51mm L94A1 EX-34 (chain gun), |
| style="text-align:right;" | Secondary ammunition |
| style="text-align:right;" | Engine power
| 1,200 bhp |
| style="text-align:right;" | Power/weight |
| valign=top
! style="text-align:right;" |Suspension |
| style="text-align:right;" | Fuel capacity |
| style="text-align:right;" | Operational range |
| style="text-align:right;" | Speed |
Operators
Current operators
- {{flag|Sweden}} – 120 units built in Germany and Sweden, 10 were sent to Ukraine. 110 remained in Sweden.{{cite web|url=http://www.ointres.se/strv_121_och_strv_122.htm#Strv_122_%E2%80%93_Leopard_2_S_(A5+)|title=Strv 121 / Strv 122|language=Swedish}}
- {{flag|Ukraine}} – 10 units delivered. 8 destroyed, damaged or captured.
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
=Bibliography=
- {{cite book |title=Jane's Armour and Artillery |publisher=Jane's Publishing Company |last=Foss |first=Christopher F. |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-7106-0964-9}}
External links
{{Commons category|Stridsvagn 122}}
- [http://www.soldf.com/strv122.html Stridsvagn 122 – Strv122]
{{Post-Cold War tanks|style=wide}}