Russian forces capture Stridsvagn 122, a prized tank treasure
A Stridsvagn 122 has fallen into Russian hands. It is the best-armored tank that Western allies have sent to the frontlines in support of Kyiv. The opportunity to inspect and analyze it could provide the Russians with a wealth of valuable information.
Defense analyst Jarosław Wolski believes that capturing the Stridsvagn 122 is a much more valuable prize for the Russians than, for instance, previously captured Abrams M1A1 tanks. This is primarily due to the armor of the Stridsvagn 122. In this regard, it is the best tank the Ukrainians have, surpassing both the American M1A1 and the German Leopard 1A5 and 2A4, as well as the older Soviet-era tanks that Ukraine had in storage before the war.
Stridsvagn 122 in Russian hands
"It's in this vehicle, not the captured M1A1s, that the Russians will see what good special armor looks like in a tank. Unfortunately, it's a valuable find for them," wrote Jarosław Wolski on his profile on the X platform.
The Stridsvagn 122 is a Swedish tank that was not built from scratch. It is a deep modernization of the German Leopard 2A5, which it noticeably surpasses. The Swedes made several significant changes to their machine’s key structural elements. Increased durability is primarily the result of a reinforced roof and hull sides. Additionally, more durable fuel tanks were installed in the Stridsvagn 122.
The armored gold of the Ukrainians
"Strv 122 was the top armor in Europe until the Leopard 2A7/A8," added Jarosław Wolski.
The armament of the Stridsvagn 122 includes a smoothbore L/44 gun with a caliber of 120 mm and auxiliary machine guns with a caliber of 7.62 mm. The tank is powered by an engine with up to 1,500 HP, which, despite its significant weight (approx. 66 tons), provides good mobility for the crew. The Swedish tank also features an advanced fire control system and a Tank Command and Control System (TCCS).
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Very favorable opinions about the Swedish tanks are expressed not only by experts but also by Ukrainian soldiers who consider the Stridsvagn 122 to be one of the best tanks for fighting the Russian army.
