Ukraine now has only one operational Stridsvagn 122 tank after suffering 90% losses.
Sweden's most modern tanks are struggling in Ukraine due to their 62-ton weight and firepower from drones, leading to high casualty rates.
The Ukrainian armed forces now have only one operational Stridsvagn 122 (Strv 122) tank remaining out of a total of 10 that Sweden provided in mid-summer 2023. This is a significant loss for the Ukrainian army, as this tank model was once expected to be a spearhead of attack due to its superior protection compared to existing tank models in service.
Challenges from weight and terrain
The Stridsvagn 122 is a Swedish-made variant based on the German Leopard 2A5, but customized with numerous armor upgrades. However, these reinforced armor layers have increased the vehicle's weight to 62 tons. This is an excessively large weight for the transportation infrastructure and geological conditions in many combat zones in Ukraine.
In actual battlefield conditions, after heavy rains, these tanks frequently get stuck in muddy areas. Losing their mobility, the Stridsvagn 122 becomes a static target easily attacked by artillery or Lancet suicide drones. Military experts believe that its excessive weight inadvertently reduces its combat effectiveness in the rainy season conditions of the region.
Defense technology and endurance limits
In theory, the Stridsvagn 122 is one of the best-protected tanks in the world. It is equipped with additional armor modules on the front of the hull and turret to withstand armor-piercing rounds. Furthermore, the French GALAX aerosol grenade launcher system and the Barracuda multispectral camouflage kit reduce its detectability by enemy infrared and radar sensors.
Despite possessing advanced active defense systems and reinforced armor, the Strv 122 is still unable to withstand concentrated attacks or direct fire on vulnerable points when the vehicle is immobile. Currently, Ukraine's only remaining tank is being withdrawn to the rear and there are no plans to deploy it to the front lines in the near future in order to preserve its forces.
Technical specifications and firepower capabilities
The Stridsvagn 122 was comprehensively upgraded by Sweden from its original version to meet the stringent requirements of the Swedish military. Notable improvements include:
- Main weapon:The Rheinmetall L/44 120mm smoothbore cannon is capable of firing a variety of NATO standard ammunition.
- Secondary weapons:Two 7.62mm machine guns are used for close-range combat and low-altitude anti-aircraft defense.
- Fire control system:The ability to quickly detect, identify, and lock onto targets allows for simultaneous engagement of multiple targets.
- Crew:Four people (due to the lack of an automatic loading system, similar to other Western tank models).
- Water wading capability:Designed to be able to traverse deeper waters than the original Leopard version.
Despite possessing powerful firepower and a modern target acquisition system, the Stridsvagn 122's insufficient numbers (only 10) and lack of necessary logistical support prevented it from making a breakthrough on the battlefield. Sweden also stated that it has no plans to supply Ukraine with further batches of Strv 122 tanks in the near future.
