The LEOPARD 2 A8 features additional improvements. Credit: AMB Brescia/commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons).

Sweden’s Army is set to receive 44 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks from German-French defence company KNDS, following the signing of contracts with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) in Munich.  

The contract marks a key milestone in Sweden’s ongoing defence modernisation programme.  

This order includes replacements for ten tanks that Sweden had previously supplied to Ukraine. 

The initial agreement, dated 6 November 2024, covered 24 tanks, while subsequent negotiations led to a second contract for an additional 20 tanks, finalised on 19 December 2024.  

The new tanks are expected to be delivered starting in the latter half of 2027 and will be designated as STRV 123 B in Sweden. 

The modernisation programme for the existing 66 Swedish Leopard 2 fleet, as well as the 44 newly contracted tanks will see incorporation of enhanced protection levels, weapon systems, operational concepts, an auxiliary power unit (APU), and additional digitalisation measures.  

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The upgrade process is expected to commence in 2028 following the completion of the first modernisation phase. 

Additionally, a significant upgrade of existing Combat Vehicles 90 will take place and is expected to be completed by 2030.  

The total investment for all these efforts is estimated to exceed Skr22bn (around $2bn) in the coming years.  

The Leopard 2A8, equipped with a 120mm L55A1 gun and compatible with various Kinetic Energy (KE) ammunition types, offers an extended engagement range exceeding 5,000 metres.  

Currently in production for Hungary and undergoing upgrades in Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, the Leopard 2A8 includes digital communication, navigation, and mapping capabilities, with networking potential for automatic battle data collection. 

Additional features include a 20kW APU for electrical supply during silent watch operations, cooling units for sustained crew efficiency and electronic component functionality in hot climates, internal insulation, and more. 

This announcement comes after the German Federal Ministry of Defence announced in July 2024, the procurement of 105 Leopard 2A8 battle tanks to bolster Germany’s combat brigade stationed in Lithuania near the Russian border.