Top 24: Swedish-made weapons in use today

Sweden is known not only for IKEA and Volvo but also for advanced weapon systems with an impressive global reach. Here is a gallery of the 24 most impressive Swedish-made weapons, ranked by their coolness factor and efficiency.

#24: FN Minimi (Ksp 90) – The Infantry Rock Star

The Minimi is a lightweight machine gun prized for its versatility, widely adopted by over 70 countries—including Sweden—thanks to its reliability and effectiveness.

#23: Automatkarbin 4 – The Butcher of the Battlefield

The Ak 4, based on the German G3, is known for its rugged design and powerful caliber—qualities that keep it relevant in today’s Swedish Home Guard.

#22: Kulsprutepistol m/45 – The Spies’ Favorite

The legendary Swedish K was favored by Navy SEALs and the CIA for its rugged design—perfect for covert operations.

#21: Kulspruta 58 (FN MAG) – The Ultimate Machine Gun

The Ksp 58 is the standard for machine guns globally with unparalleled reliability, used by more than 80 countries.

#20: RBS 23 BAMSE – Sweden’s Air Defense Bear

BAMSE combines advanced radars with Bofors missiles, protecting against everything from fighter jets to drones.

#19: Automatkarbin 5 – Sweden’s Own Kalashnikov

The Ak 5 is a Swedish-adapted version of FN’s FNC rifle, popular for its reliability under extreme conditions.

#18: RBS 56 BILL – The Intelligent Tank Slayer

The BILL missile attacks armored targets from above and is known for penetrating even heavily armored tanks.

#17: Haubits FH77 – The Cannon That Drives Itself

The FH77 was revolutionary with its own engine and has become internationally known for its rapid firing rate and precision.

#16: BvS 10 “Viking” – The Armored Terrain Warrior

The Viking vehicle is armored, amphibious, and incredibly mobile, perfect for harsh combat zones like Afghanistan.

#15: Bandvagn 206 – Sweden’s Snow Bus

The Bv 206 can traverse terrain like no other and has proven its worth from Antarctica to desert operations.

#14: Bofors 40 mm – The Evergreen BOOM

This classic anti-aircraft gun has been in service since World War II and still defends against modern threats.

#13: Bofors 57 mm Mk3 – The Swiss Army Knife of Naval Defense

The 57 mm cannon is small but powerful and is still chosen globally for its precision against air and surface targets.

#12: RBS 15 – The Baltic Sea Ship Slayer

Sweden’s answer to the Harpoon missile, known for its range and ability to execute complex attack patterns.

#11: RBS 70 – Laser Precision in the Air

A unique air-defense system that effectively combats aerial threats with laser guidance, undeterred by countermeasures.

#10: NLAW – Ukraine’s Tank Slayer

This modern anti-tank missile has proven its worth in Ukraine with its ability to attack tanks from above.

#9: AT4 – Global Anti-Tank Success

The AT4 is known worldwide for its hard-hitting power and ease of use.

#8: Carl Gustaf – Man’s Personal Artillery

A timeless classic, still relevant after 70 years due to its versatility and firing power.

#7: Gotland Class – The Submarine that Fooled the USA

This advanced submarine was the first with air-independent propulsion and impressed even the US Navy.

#6: Visby Class – World’s First Stealth Ships

These corvettes set new standards for ship design with extremely low radar profiles and advanced technology.

#5: Stridsbåt 90H – The Special Forces’ Favorite Boat

This swift and amphibious boat is perfect for quick assaults and troop transport in shallow waters.

#4: Archer Artillery System – Shoot and Scoot

With automatic loading and impressive range, the Archer is one of the world’s most advanced artillery systems.

#3: CV90 – The Infantry Icon

The CV90 combines excellent protection with high firepower and mobility, becoming an international success.

#2: Stridsvagn 122 – Sweden’s Leopard with Teeth

This modern battle tank is known for its extra armor and advanced camouflage systems.

#1: Saab JAS 39 Gripen – The Triumph of the Swedish Fighter Jet

A world-class fighter jet—fast, agile, and built for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. Gripen is cost-efficient, packed with cutting-edge tech, and used by several NATO countries. A true export success and the crown jewel of Sweden’s defense industry.

 

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.