Sweden may provide Ukraine with Leopard dupes Stridsvagn 122 tanks

Sweden is considering the transfer of Stridsvagn 122 tanks, a local version of the German Leopard 2, to Ukraine in the future.

Rubryka reports, referring to the statement of the Minister of Defense of Sweden, Pål Jonson, in a comment to the local newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.

Pål Jonson said:

"The transfer to Ukraine of Stridsvagn 122, the Swedish version of the German Leopard 2, may be relevant in the future… Currently, there are no preparations for the supply of these tanks from Sweden, but this may happen later."

Sweden has about 120 such tanks in service.

The Stridsvagn 122 tank is the main battle tank of Sweden. It represents a licensed variant of the German Leopard 2 tank, in the design of which various changes have been made. The tank has a 120 mm Rheinmetall L44 smoothbore weapon as the main armament. It can fire armor-piercing subcaliber projectiles and universal cumulative.

Stridsvagn 122 also has a reinforced undercarriage, the front of the tank is equipped with additional reservation modules, and the roof is protected from attacks from above. The French GALAX smoke grenade launch system is installed on the tank, which allows the firing of high-explosive and special ammunition.

Reference

The Swedish government announced the provision of the most modern artillery and armored vehicles to Ukraine. The Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, who was quoted by the local mass media, announced the transfer of about 50 CV90 infantry fighting vehicles and Archer 155-mm wheeled howitzers.

"We are talking about increased support," Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said. 

It was previously reported that the Ukrainian military might receive 12 Archer units from Sweden.

Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson noted that Ukraine did not receive artillery installations last year because, according to him, Archer was not at the top of Ukraine's wish list. However, during the "People and Defense" conference in Selene, Kristersson said that the artillery system could end up in Ukraine.

"I have said all along that we are strong enough to contribute with such an advanced weapon system. This work is ongoing, and I will be back as soon as we finish it," the prime minister said.

According to Kristersson, Archer remains Sweden's top priority in helping Ukraine.