Stridsvagn 122 tank (Photo:7th Army Training Command/Wikipedia)
Sweden is not yet ready to
transfer any of its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, but does not rule out the future
supply of Swedish-made Stridsvagn 122 tanks, Swedish Defense Minister Pål
Jonson told Swedish daily newspaper Svenska Dagbladet on Jan. 25.
Stridsvagn 122 tanks are an upgraded Swedish version of the German-made Leopard 2 tanks.
According to the Breaking Defense media outlet, Sweden operates 120 of the NATO-standard Leopard 2 tanks, according to figures from the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
“We… cannot give away stuff without refilling our own equipment reserves,” a senior Swedish military official told the media outlet.
“Everyone needs to understand Russia has been there for at least 500 years. They will be there in the long run.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Jan. 19 that Sweden is preparing to transfer CV90 IFVs, Archer self-propelled howitzers and NLAW ATGMs to Ukraine to fight against the Russian invasion forces.
German news magazine Der Spiegel reported on Jan. 24 that after months of delays and mounting pressure from its allies, Berlin finally decided to send at least 10 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks to Ukraine, and to allow third countries to supply Kyiv with German-made tanks.
Citing an unnamed Ukrainian official, ABC news previously reported that representatives of 12 countries agreed to supply Ukraine with around 100 German-made Leopard-2 tanks, pending Germany’s approval.
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