Sweden and Dutch land defense company KNDS have signed a contract to deliver new Stridsvagn 122 main battle tank simulators for Stockholm’s military.
The platforms will incorporate training capabilities enabling the Swedish armed forces to prepare an entire tank crew consisting of the commander, driver, gunner, and loader.
They will include a new management support system and options for all stages of practice, from basic position training to unit training.
KNDS will ship the simulators to the country until 2029.
“This project will really strengthen Sweden’s defense capabilities,” Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) Project Manager Claes Hallbäcken stated.
“Sweden has always been good at using modern simulators and now we are once again taking a real step forward in development. Much thanks to an exceptionally good collaboration with everyone involved in the Armed Forces, at KNDS and at FMV.”
Replacing Aging Trainers
Throughout the project, the simulators will eventually replace Sweden’s existing turret training facilities and the crew training capability located at the Ground Combat School in Skövde.
“In addition to replacing the older simulators, a simulator is added to P18 [regiment] on Gotland,” Swedish Armed Forces Leopard Tanks Materiel Area Manager Pontus Berg said.
“In addition, we are increasing the number of simulators on I19 in the north and P7 in the south.”
Anti-Tank Training
Last year, FMV signed an agreement with local industry partner Saab to provide training and simulation systems for Swedish warfighters.
The $32.2-million initiative includes training platforms for anti-tank weapons, ground vehicles, and corresponding equipment training.
The capabilities will be delivered to the military until 2025.