PBV 501 (BMP-1)

During the mid 90s Sweden procured 350 BMP-1 and some 600 MT-LB (East German surplus) from the reunited Germany. This was considered a cost effective way to quickly mechanize Swedish infantry. However, for various reasons, the PBV 501 (BMP-1) only had a short service history with the Swedish army.

Since this being Sweden we have something in our culture that prevents us from buying foreign equipment without modifying it. This was no exemption. The PBV 501 was renovated and modified in a couple of ways, which for example included removing the autoloader for the gun.