Stridsvagnar

Stridsvagnar, plural of stridsvagn (tank), are armored fighting vehicles designed for front-line combat. They combine heavy armor, a turret-mounted main gun, and tracked propulsion to provide armored firepower and mobility across varied terrain. Tanks emerged in the early 20th century and grew into the dominant component of modern armed forces, evolving into the concept of the main battle tank (MBT) that aims to defeat enemy armor and support infantry through mobility and sustained fire.

Typical features include a hull with a rotating turret, a large-caliber main gun, a secondary armament such as machine guns, and a crew that traditionally includes a commander, gunner, loader, and driver. Armor is designed to resist projectiles and missiles, with modern designs using composite materials, sometimes augmented by reactive armor and active protection systems. Mobility relies on powerful engines and tracked systems that enable cross-country movement and rapid maneuvering on roads.

Roles and tactics focus on breaking through defenses, destroying enemy vehicles, and supporting infantry operations. Tanks engage armored targets at range, provide direct fire for assaults, and exploit breaches created by other forces. They operate within combined arms formations, coordinating with artillery, air support, reconnaissance, and infantry to maximize effectiveness.

In Sweden, stridsvagnar have been a central element of armored defense since the mid-20th century, with successive generations upgraded to extend service life, improve fire control, and enhance mobility. See also main battle tank and armored fighting vehicle.