The Swedish Armed Forces, in collaboration with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV), has entered into a contract with the German company KNDS Germany (KMW+NEXTER Defense Systems), formerly known as KMW. The agreement is centered around the acquisition of tank simulators for the Stridsvagn 122, an improved variant of the Leopard 2A5. These advanced simulators are set to replace the existing turret crew training facilities (TBTA) within various units, as well as the crew training facility (BTA) at the Army Combat School. The newly acquired simulator is designed to facilitate comprehensive training for an entire tank crew, including the commander, gunner, driver, and loader, across all training levels – from basic individual training to collective unit exercises. Mirroring the capabilities of the operational tank, the simulator will also be equipped with the latest command support system.
“This project will significantly strengthen Sweden’s defense capabilities. Sweden has consistently excelled in utilizing modern simulators, and with this initiative, we are once again taking a substantial leap in development. This success is largely attributed to the exceptional collaboration between all parties involved – the Swedish Armed Forces, KNDS, and FMV,” said Claes Hallbäcken, FMV Project Manager.
Pontus Berg, the Materiel Area Manager for Leopard tanks at the Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters, highlighted the expansion and modernization efforts, stating, “In addition to replacing the older simulators, a new simulator will be introduced at P18 in Gotland. Furthermore, we are increasing the number of simulators at I19 in the north and P7 in the south.”
KNDS Germany collaborates with W5 Solutions, a local defence and technology firm in Sweden, to provide service and support for the tank simulators used by the Swedish Armed Forces. W5 Solutions will provide a full-scope integrated logistics support contract to ensure the reliability and availability of main battle tank simulators and vehicle egress trainers currently fielded within the Swedish Armed Forces. The company have a long-standing working relationship with KMW and together we deliver high-quality services and products. As a system supplier, W5 delivers products and services covering the entire product life cycle, from development and manufacturing to service and support. The FMV announcement stated that KNDS Germany would deliver the Stridsvagn 122 tank simulators by 2029.
Stridsvagn 122 (Strv 122) is a Swedish main battle tank that, like the German Leopard 2A5, is based on the German Leopard 2 improved variant utilizing such newer technology as command, control, and fire-control systems, reinforced armour, and long-term combat capacity. Externally, the vehicle is distinguished from the Leopard 2A5 by the French GALIX smoke dispensers, different storage bins, and the thicker crew hatches. The stridsvagn 122 was designed to fight in Swedish conditions including heavily forested areas as well as urban terrain. Strv 122 needed to overcome the perceived flaws of the original German tank, and features with a reinforced armour to protect against man-portable anti-tank weapons.
