At the 2024 Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) trade show in Washington, D.C., BAE Systems and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets materielverk, FMV) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to jointly develop the Tridon Mk 2 ground-based air defense system. The agreement signifies a crucial step forward in enhancing Sweden’s air defense capabilities, particularly against the growing threat of drones and other airborne threats. The signing ceremony was attended by senior military leaders, including Sweden’s Army Chief, and marked a significant milestone in Sweden’s ongoing efforts to modernize its defense systems. The Tridon Mk 2 is a cutting-edge 40mm anti-aircraft system designed to counter a wide range of airborne and ground-based threats, including drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft. This modern system, which was first unveiled by BAE Systems Bofors at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in June 2024, offers a comprehensive solution for both military and civilian infrastructure protection. The system’s modular design allows it to be mounted on various mobile or stationary platforms, providing exceptional flexibility for different operational environments.
“BAE Systems Bofors has an impressive legacy in air defence and we have been strengthening the air defence capabilities of Sweden and its partners for many years. With this Letter of Intent, together with the Swedish customer we can develop a demonstrator of our latest product, the Tridon Mk2 to prove its capabilities in helping defend Sweden and its partners,” said Lena Gillström, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Bofors, based in Karlskoga, Sweden.
The Tridon Mk 2 builds on the battle-proven Bofors 40mm gun, which has been a reliable component of air defense systems for over 90 years. This self-propelled system features the Bofors 3P programmable munition, a critical asset designed to defeat a wide range of aerial and land-based threats. The 3P munition, which includes pre-fragmented, programmable, and proximity-fuzed rounds, allows the system to engage multiple targets without the need for ammunition changes, making it highly adaptable in dynamic combat environments. With a rate of fire of 300 rounds per minute and an effective range of up to 12 kilometers, the Tridon Mk 2 is one of the most advanced anti-aircraft systems in its class. Its flexibility is further enhanced by its ability to mix different types of ammunition in the same firing salvo, ensuring that it can respond effectively to a variety of threats. As the threat from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) continues to grow, particularly on the modern battlefield where tens of thousands of drones are shot down each month, nations like Sweden are seeking innovative solutions to close critical gaps in their air defense capabilities.
One of the key features of the Tridon Mk 2 is its modularity, which enables the system to be mounted on different platforms, including 6×6 and 8×8 trucks, as well as the BvS10 all-terrain vehicle. At the Eurosatory 2024 event, the system was displayed mounted on a Scania G460 8×8 truck with military specifications. This setup allows for rapid deployment and high mobility, making the system well-suited for mechanized infantry units in both offensive and defensive operations. In addition to its mobility, the Tridon Mk 2 can be operated remotely, providing enhanced survivability for troops. The system’s day-night acquisition sensors and advanced fire-control system make it a cost-effective solution for protecting large areas, whether in stationary or mobile configurations. As Sweden seeks to bolster its national defense capabilities in response to evolving threats, the Tridon Mk 2 stands as a critical component of the country’s future air defense architecture. The collaboration between BAE Systems and FMV reflects a shared commitment to innovation and the protection of both military forces and critical infrastructure.
