The Swedish Armed Forces’ tracked vehicles have long been a vital part of Sweden’s defence capability. To ensure continued operational readiness, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) initiated an extensive modernization program aimed at extending the service life and improving the performance of the vehicles. The contract was awarded to Nordic Terrain Solutions (NTS), of which Svekon is a partner responsible for project management and delivery.
Background
The Swedish Armed Forces’ tracked vehicles, models Bv 206 and Bv 208, were originally developed during the 1970s and 1980s and have served as a key capability within the Swedish defence organization for decades. Despite continuous upgrades over the years, the vehicles’ powertrains had reached the end of their technical service life.
At the same time, the vehicles’ unique mobility and compact size remain highly valued. To maintain operational capability, an extensive modernization program was launched in which the existing fleet is upgraded with a new powertrain solution. The objective is to extend the vehicles’ service life while significantly improving performance.
Nordic Terrain Solutions, responsible for carrying out the project, is a partnership between Svekon, Granit Teknikbyrå, Staffare, Huddig and SPI.
“The upgrade program for the tracked vehicles is something the Swedish Armed Forces are in great need of and have been anticipating for a long time.”
Albin Karlsson – Systems Engineer, FMV
An extensive assignment
Within NTS, Svekon has played a central role, ensuring successful delivery. At its core, the assignment involves replacing legacy engines and transmissions dating back to the 1970s and 1980s with modern alternatives. In practice, the project is considerably more complex. Replacing the powertrain affects numerous surrounding systems and components, making the modernization far more extensive than simply replacing the engine and transmission.
The objective is to extend the service life of the vehicles by at least 15 years while significantly improving drivability, reliability and overall performance.
The project currently includes more than 1,000 vehicles. The original contract covered 800 vehicles, with additional volumes already added through contract options.
The scope includes:
- Replacement of engines and transmissions with modern alternatives
- Adaptation of all affected systems and components
- Modernization of both standard and specialized vehicle variants
“Replacing the powertrain is far more complex than simply changing the engine. It affects a wide range of systems throughout the vehicle.”
Rikard Erikson – Project Manager, Svekon
Execution
The project is carried out in close collaboration between the partners within NTS, with Svekon responsible for overall project management and delivery assurance.
The refurbishment work is performed in an industrial production environment and includes both standard troop transport vehicles and specialized variants designed for different operational roles.
Svekon’s responsibilities include:
- Overall project management
- Systems engineering
- Quality management
- Configuration management
- Logistics management
- Financial management
- Planning and execution of testing and verification
- Participation in Integrated Logistics Support (ILS)
Other project partners are responsible for areas such as system safety, production and specialized vehicle modifications.
Challenges and Solutions
The project has been carried out under a highly ambitious schedule, placing significant demands on coordination, verification and production. One important lesson learned is that the complexity of large-scale collaborative projects is often underestimated. At the same time, a close and solution-oriented partnership with FMV has been essential in addressing challenges as they emerged.
One example was the management of cabin heating performance. The high efficiency of the new powertrain generated less waste heat than the previous system, which affected cabin heating in cold-weather conditions. Through technical improvements to the heating system and energy management, a new solution was developed and implemented.
Technical challenges are a natural part of complex modernization programs where legacy platforms are combined with modern technology. This project demonstrates how such challenges can be transformed into improved solutions through engineering expertise, collaboration and a shared commitment to delivery.
“Technical challenges are a natural part of integrating modern technology into legacy platforms. The close collaboration with FMV has been crucial in helping us maintain momentum and find effective solutions.”
Rikard Erikson – Projektledare, Svekon
Project Manager Rikard Erikson, Svekon.
Project members from FMV and NTS visiting production in Söderhamn.
Result and Delivery
Since project launch in December 2023, more than 400 vehicles have been delivered, representing approximately half of the original order volume.
For the end user, the modernization provides vehicles that are more reliable, easier to operate and better suited to today’s operational requirements.
The modernization program has delivered:
- A service life extension of at least 15 years
- Significantly improved driving characteristics
- Increased reliability through modern technology
- Sustained operational capability while next-generation vehicles are being developed
Future Ahead
For Svekon, this project is more than a large-scale modernization program. It is also a clear demonstration of our ability to lead complex technical projects involving multiple stakeholders, demanding requirements and ambitious timelines.
The result is a modernized fleet capable of supporting operational needs for many years to come, while also providing valuable experience and knowledge that will strengthen future defence programs and next-generation vehicle development.
