Next year, a Swedish battalion reinforced with several LVKV-90 anti-aircraft systems will arrive in Latvia, reported the press service of the Swedish army.
The LVKV-90 weapon system consists of a 40-mm automatic cannon and radar with an associated fire control system. It is designed to engage low-flying aircraft and helicopters.
The crew of the armored vehicle consists of 5 people. The maximum speed is up to 70 km/h. The maximum effective range for engaging aerial targets is 4 km.
The aim of the air defense units is to enhance the battalion's capability for timely detection and neutralization of aerial targets, including drones and helicopters, at the tactical level. This is an important step in strengthening the collective defense capability of Sweden and NATO in the Baltic region, notes the Swedish Ministry of Defense.
In October, the crews of the anti-aircraft artillery combat vehicles underwent intensive combat training in cooperation with the "Helikopter 15" units from the Swedish helicopter fleet.
The anti-aircraft artillery combat vehicle is largely similar to the infantry fighting vehicle "Stridsfordon 90", but it is equipped with a radar surveillance and reconnaissance system and has a greater elevation angle for the weapon, allowing it to effectively engage aerial targets at low altitudes.
As noted by the Ministry of Defense, the deployment of this battalion of the Swedish army in Latvia will enhance NATO's collective security and provide the alliance with additional defense capability on the strategically important eastern flank.
