Externally, the vehicle is distinguished from the Leopard 2A5 by the French GALIX smoke dispensers, different storage bins, and the thicker crew hatches.

During the project "Strv Ny", three tank models were sent to Sweden to participate in trials: the American M1A2 Abrams, the German Leopard 2 Improved, and a prototype variant of the French Leclerc.

[7] The strv 122 was designed to fight in Swedish conditions including heavily forested areas as well as urban terrain.

[10] In August the same year, the Swedish government announced that it would be upgrading its strv 122 tanks to extend their operational lifespan to 2030.

Modifications include the more powerful L/55 gun, new tracks, improved optics for the commander and gunner, and a night sight for the driver.

[22] In January 2025, the Swedish government announced the purchase of 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks in an order worth approximately €2 Billion.

On 24 September 2023, during the Zaporizhzhia counteroffensive in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, two Ukrainian Strv 122 tanks were lost in combat.