Swedish Air Force receives new light, highly modular C3 vehicles

The air force's new C3 vehicles are based on a military variant of the Volkswagen Crafter, also in service with the Portuguese and Bangladesh army in an ambulance role. (Abicon AB)

The Swedish Air Force has received new command, control, and communications (C3) vehicles to bolster its tactical mobility.

The vehicles are based on a military variant of the Volkswagen Crafter and are meeting an urgent requirement for light, robust, and highly modular C3 platforms, according to an announcement by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) on 11 December.

Eight vehicles have been delivered so far, with a further 20 on order. Additional units are also planned, the announcement noted.

As standard, each vehicle is equipped with radio and IT equipment as well as various antennas that are adapted to support several different frequencies. The vehicles are also installed with Rakel – the Swedish digital communications system used by the emergency services.

A tent can be connected to the vehicles, providing a cohesive workplace between the operators in the vehicle and the staff outside.