The modernisation programme, known as REMO, covers Sweden’s Leopard 2 fleet and includes improved combat capability, higher protection, digitalisation measures and a logistics package. KNDS said the programme will be completed in 2030.
The first upgraded tank was presented at a ceremony at the Krauss Maffei Wegmann Nexter Defence Systems factory in Munich. FMV said the current work is the most extensive modification of Stridsvagn 122 since the tank entered Swedish service in the late 1990s.
At the KNDS factory in Munich, the tanks are disassembled into their components before new subsystems are installed. FMV said the modernisation is intended to meet the Swedish Armed Forces’ requirements for current and future battlefield conditions.
FMV described the upgrade as a major change in technology and function for the Swedish tank fleet. “If you compare Stridsvagn 122 with a Volvo 240 in terms of technology and function, you could say that with this modification we are building a Volvo XC 60,” said Niclas Lindberg, head of FMV’s tank section.
Florian Hohenwarter, CEO of KNDS Deutschland, said during the handover: “Since decades, we have maintained a close, friendly, and trusting cooperation with Sweden, which is also reflected in this project. Sweden has made a significant contribution to the Stridsvagn 123 A main battle tank system and has been driving the development of the LEOPARD 2 for almost 30 years.”
“The Stridsvagn 123 A is clearly one of the most modern main battle tanks and is fully interoperable in all areas with all LEOPARD 2 systems.” KNDS said the upgraded configuration strengthens the tank while keeping it within the broader Leopard 2 family.
The Swedish Leopard 2 receives a new L55 A1 gun, which KNDS said significantly increases range and firepower. FMV said the modification includes a new weapon system with a longer barrel, modern sensors such as thermal sights and cameras, and digital subsystems.
Lindberg said the Swedish Armed Forces’ priorities were improved effect and protection. “The Swedish Armed Forces’ focus is better effect and protection. The vehicles will receive, among other things, a new weapon system with a longer barrel, new modern sensors such as thermal sights and cameras as well as digital subsystems.”
“This weapon system, in combination with a digital fire control system, makes it possible to use new types of ammunition. We are replacing obsolete subsystems and removing Swedish special solutions where possible and appropriate, in order to increase interoperability with our allies in NATO.”
FMV said protection will also be improved, including by placing the driver in a suspended harness instead of a seat fixed to the floor to provide better protection if the vehicle drives over a mine. “The modified vehicles will also have an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) that, among other things, makes it possible to reduce fuel consumption because the main engine does not need to be used during, for example, observation,” Lindberg said.
FMV said it worked closely with the Swedish Armed Forces and industry before the renovation and modification to identify solutions meeting operational needs. Mikael Tillberg, FMV programme manager for the Leopard 2 system, said: “We have acted proactively and ordered components with long lead times early in order to ensure production and shorten the delivery times for the vehicles as far as possible. Deliveries of modified vehicles will take place over four years.”
FMV will carry out delivery inspection, verification and gunnery alignment as the vehicles are completed by industry. “We will zero the first vehicles this autumn. Then industry will conduct training for the Swedish Armed Forces before we make the system handover,” Tillberg said.
“During the period 2027–2031, FMV will deliver 22 modified tanks per year to the Swedish Armed Forces,” Tillberg said. Deliveries of special tools, spare parts, replacement units and other system material will take place throughout the period and continue for some time after the final modified tanks are delivered.
The modified tanks will be designated Stridsvagn 123A. FMV has also signed a contract for 44 newly manufactured tanks, which will receive the designation Stridsvagn 123B.
FMV said both models will largely resemble Stridsvagn 122 on the outside, but will be more modern and equipped with new capability. The common design is intended to increase security of supply and availability while reducing lifecycle costs.
