Stridsvagn 122 Deployed in Ukraine

The Swedish-trained Ukrainian crews are in place in Ukraine. The training took place alongside the largest defense exercise in 30 years and the basic training of Swedish conscripts. In a press release from the Swedish Armed Forces, the agency interviews three people about the training, including Army Chief Jonny Lindfors.

– We have given them everything we could in good equipment and knowledge. Now we wish them all the best in liberating their country, says Mats Ludvig, Operations Chief at the Army Staff in the press release.

– The training was to take place almost simultaneously as we conducted the largest defense exercise in 30 years, but also with a cohort of conscripts in full basic training. This required careful planning and great sacrifices from our staff who were to act as instructors. Together we resolved this, and I am impressed by our personnel and how well the training was conducted, continues Mats Ludvig.

Swedish instructors and Ukrainian soldiers. Photo: Swedish Armed Forces

Equally impressed is the instructor and armor officer Erik, who during several intensive early summer weeks participated in training the Ukrainian tank crews.

– It is an experience I will carry with me, to train when it doesn't get more real or important. Here it must be done well and in a short time. Then you sharpen up and bring out all pedagogical tools to make the training as optimal as possible, whether those you are training were previously coal miners or tank gunners. For some time now, the tanks have been in place in Ukraine.

Erik and his colleagues follow their progress and successes via various social media, as much as possible.

– We certainly hope it goes as well as possible, that the conditions are as favorable as possible, and that the system is used as intended, together with Swedish combat vehicles for optimal effect, says Erik to the agency.

Of Sweden's previous 120 tanks, about one-tenth have now been donated to Ukraine.

– It is absolutely the right decision to donate these tanks, I believe. That it then affects the army's capability is obvious. Therefore, these tanks must be reacquired as soon as possible, but also more must be acquired. Otherwise, the army will not be able to meet the growth targets set in the defense decision from 2020 or the requirements that NATO membership places on us, says Army Chief Jonny Lindfors in the message.

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