The Strv 104 became the Swedish
version of the storied British "Centurion" Main Battle Tank (MBT) line
detailed elsewhere on this site. The Centurion was selected by Swedish
authorities in the post-World War 2 years to succeed an aging collection
of light and medium tanks then currently in service with Army forces.
After formal review of available options worldwide, it was settled that
the Centurion Mk 3 model offered the best combination of performance,
capabilities, firepower and upgrade potential to meet local Army needs
going forward.

The Swedish Centurions received a modernization throughout most of the
1980s to keep them viable fighting machines for the near future. Night
Vision (NV) equipment support was added as were laser rangefinders and
the main guns were given better stabilization for improved firing
"on-the-move". The Fire Control System (FCS) was appropriately updated
for increased effectiveness and barrels now received thermal sleeves.
The hulls supported Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) blocks to improved
system and crew survivability - particularly against the rise in
Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) reliance seen by the Soviet Army - they
being the primary enemy in the region.