Ukrainian soldiers utilize powerful Stridsvagn 122 tanks and anti-tank missiles in battle
Thanks to the efforts of Sweden, the Stridsvagn 122 tanks reached the battlefield. Considered by many Ukrainians and experts to be some of the most valuable machines of this type currently in Kyiv's possession. "These are the best and most heavily armored tanks Ukraine has," defense analyst Jarosław Wolski had previously mentioned on his X service profile.
While footage of the Stridsvagn 122 in the ongoing battle against Russia is plentiful, this recording provided the first glimpse of the type of ammunition utilized by Ukrainian soldiers. The soldiers can be seen using DM-53 anti-tank missiles, part of an armament family whose production began in the late 1990s.
Once fired, these missiles can reach speeds of up to 1670 meters per second (m/s) with a 44-caliber gun or up to 1720 m/s with a 55-caliber gun. This equates to roughly 3730 miles per hour (mph) and 3846 mph, respectively.
Stridsvagn 122 in Ukraine. What ammunition does it use?
Prior reports from Ukraine suggest the defenders' armory includes an enhancement from DM-53A1 missiles. Considered the optimal version of these missiles, the DM-53A1 integrates solutions from the more advanced DM63 missile technology and can effectively neutralize even the newest and best-armored tanks - including those with dual-layer reactive armor. The Russian forces use such armaments in the T-80BWM and T-90M tanks, often referred to as "Putin's pride".
Military gold from Sweden
Production of the Stridsvagn 122 tanks occurred between 1994 and 2001. Based on the German Leopard 2A5 tanks, the Stridsvagn 122 were enhanced with several unique design changes which resulted in machines with superior capabilities.
Compared to the Leopard 2A5, the Stridsvagn 122 tanks are more durable, boasting reinforced roof and hull sides, as well as more robust fuel tanks. Additionally, they are equipped with an advanced fire control system more similar to the Leopard 2A6 than the 2A5 and include the Tank Command and Control System (TCCS).
The primary weaponry of the Stridsvagn 122, similar to the Leopard 2A5, is a smooth-bore L/44 calibre 120 mm gun. Besides this, the crews can use two 7.62 mm machine guns and an 80.5 mm smoke grenade launcher. Although the Stridsvagn 122 is heavier than its German prototype, weighing about 60 tonnes (or approximately 130,073 lbs), it can achieve speeds up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 mph) thanks to its 1500 horsepower (HP) engine.
