Sweden Expands Bv206S Fleet for Rapid Reaction Force

Bv206 in Afghanistan(click to view full) A Jan 2006 DID article covered the reasons behind the Bv206 family’s popularity around the world, via BAE Hagglunds vehicles and local variants. Their outstanding air transportability, amphibious all-terrain capability, and multiple variants covering a wide range of functions and make them well-suited to a role as infantry enhancement vehicles. While they are not substitutes for a full APC like Hagglunds’ own CV90 or the wheeled General Dynamics LAV III/Stryker, they do offer air-portable infantry mobility with small arms protection; additional carrying capacity over all terrains to reduce soldiers’ burdens; and firepower enhancement via its weapon mount options, heavy weapon storage inside, and towing capabilities (incl. mortars, howitzers et. al.). The result is a combination of APC and Jeep benefits in a more mobile, all-terrain platform capable of 3rd-dimension envelopment and rapid ground response. Now BAE Systems Hagglunds AB has received a SKr 260 million ($35 million) rush order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for 52 additional Bv206S vehicles, with an option for more. The order amounts to 52 vehicles with an option to acquire additional vehicles, bringing the Swedish Armed Forces up to a total of 93 Bv206S. The goal driving […]