Sweden receives first upgraded Strv 122 MBT

The FMV received the first of 110 Stridsvagn (Strv) 122 MBTs upgraded to the Strv 123A during a handover ceremony at KNDS Deutschland's Munich site on 22 June. (Swedish Armed Forces/Robin S Krüger)

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) received the first of 110 Stridsvagn (Strv) 122 main battle tanks (MBTs) being upgraded to the Strv 123A (Leopard 2 SWE) level under Sweden's Renovation Modernization (REMO) programme during a handover ceremony at KNDS Deutschland's Munich site on 22 June 2026, the FMV and the company have announced.

The FMV said on its website on 23 June that it is the most extensive modification of the Strv 122 tank since it was introduced into the Swedish Armed Forces in the late 1990s. The tanks are being disassembled and new subsystems are being installed at KNDS in Munich.

KNDS said in a press release on 22 June that the upgrade includes an increase in combat capability with a new L55A1 120 mm gun, a higher level of protection, and fully digital workstations, as well as a logistics package. Niclas Lindberg, head of the FMV's MBT section, was quoted on the FMV website on 23 June as saying that the upgrade includes new modern sensors such as thermal sights and cameras, and digital subsystems, with a digital fire control system making it possible to use new types of ammunition. He added that replacing obsolete subsystems and removing Swedish proprietary equipment would increase interoperability with NATO allies.