Strv 121

Despite being one of the most modern vehicles in the Swedish army this tank has already been retired from active service due to economical reasons. Tank training is expensive and since the army is so small nowadays there are enough Strv 122 to satisfy all perceived needs of tanks. The 121 is after all a soon 30 year old tank. All 160 Strv 121 have been mothballed.

The Leopard 2A4 that is known as the Strv 121 in Sweden did not undergone any major changes. It is basicly the same vehicle in use with the german army. The smokegrenade dischargers were going to be changed to the GALIX-system common to the Strv 122 and the CV 90.

The tank is certainly faster and thus more mobile than both the Strv 103 "S" and Strv 104 upgraded Centurion as well as harder hitting with its 12 cm gun. The TI-sight gives true night-fighting capacity and it is easier to maintain. The rate of fire is lower however since the combustible casings places some security restrictions on the loader, at least in peacetime. A good 104 crew can manage two hits on the same target with the first round on the way  only two seconds after the first while the 121 and 122 will need about six seconds.

The Strv 121 fires the new ARROW 95 high performance APFSDS-T round as well as a new Swedish made HE round. This is guaranteed to achieve maximum effect on soft targets as well as totally wrecking an APC or IFV. The mashinegun used is the german MG 3 that is designated Ksp 94 in Sweden.  The Strv 121 was a long needed reinforcement to the Swedish army, although not gods gift to tankers. It has been proven over and over when fighting Centurions and "S" that a good tank is no replacement to well trained crews and commanders.