Swedish-made Stridsvagn 122 tanks, a variant of the German Leopard-2A5, have been observed at the Liman operational front in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict.
According to the Russian military magazine “Roskiy Oruzhiye,” these tanks are positioned in pine forests between the towns of Yampil and Toretsk.
This terrain enhances their concealment in both sound and thermal wavelengths, reducing their detectability by thermal devices and reconnaissance drones.
Additionally, these tanks are equipped with the Barrakuda camouflage system.
Following the destruction of a significant number of Leopard tanks supplied by Germany to Ukraine by Russian anti-tank systems, helicopters, and kamikaze drones, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are making strenuous efforts to preserve their remaining armored vehicles. To this end, the tanks have been fitted with additional devices to protect the armor of their turrets from frontal attacks.
However, the radar systems of Russian helicopters like the Mi-28NM (Night Hunter) and Ka-52M (Alligator) are adept at detecting camouflaged targets.
These helicopters can strike hidden armored vehicles in the forest with highly accurate Krasnopol guided munitions or LMUR air-to-ground missiles.
The Swedish tanks’ protective systems do not offer significant defense against these ground-based anti-tank missile systems.
The Swedish version of the tank differs from its German counterpart, featuring a more robust engine section adapted for Swedish climate and terrain.
Its frontal armor in the armored turret has been strengthened, and it is equipped with a new information system that provides the tank commander and driver with tactical situation awareness and status updates on the tank’s systems.
The presence of these Swedish-made tanks in Ukraine underscores the complex and international nature of the conflict, where various types of military equipment from different countries are being used on the battlefield.
This situation reflects the ongoing dynamics of modern warfare, where technology and international support play critical roles.
