Sweden Strengthens Military Might by Acquiring 44 Advanced Leopard 2A8 Tanks from KNDS Deutschland
Sweden has engaged KNDS Germany to deliver a total of 44 LEOPARD 2 A8 main battle tanks to the armed forces. Additionally, the enhancement of the LEOPARD 2 fleet has now been expanded to include all 110 Swedish units.
Relevant contracts were established with the procurement body (FMV) in Munich in two stages.
The initial contract signed on November 6, 2024, initially included 24 main battle tank units. Simultaneously, negotiations were already underway to kick off the second batch for 20 more LEOPARD 2 A8 tanks. This agreement was completed on December 19, 2024.
Sweden, which had earlier transferred ten of its LEOPARD 2 units to Ukraine, is replacing these with 24 LEOPARD 2 A8 models. The delivery of the newly manufactured LEOPARD 2 A8, referred to as STRV 123 B in Sweden, is expected to commence in the second half of 2027.
The enhancement of 66 LEOPARD 2 tanks, coupled with the 44 units already contracted, includes an upgraded level of protection, a new weaponry system, modern driving and operational strategies, an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit), and further digital transformation initiatives.
The upgrade operations are anticipated to begin in 2028, following the completion of the initial modernization contract.
