Swedish Defence, The Swedish Armed Forces have decided not to continue development of the Modular Armoured Tactical System known in Sweden as SEP. The reason for this is the lack of an international collaborative partner and the fact the current financial situation would not allow the Swedish Armed Forces to continue the SEP project alone.
SEP (Splitterskyddad EnhetsPlattform), or Modular Armoured Tactical System, is based on a modular armoured vehicle designed to provide a common platform capable of adaptation for a wide range of functions and roles within the Armed Forces.
The project was started in 1994 with studies of new technologies and system concepts. In December 2005 the Swedish government approved the Armed Forces’ request to proceed with SEP development and the initial stage of the development project began in summer 2006.
“The Swedish Armed Forces yesterday decided not to proceed with the SEP project. The reason for this is the lack of an international collaborative partner and the fact the current financial situation would not allow the Swedish Armed Forces to continue the SEP project alone. According to an earlier decision, the continuation of the project was conditional on there being, at the turn of the year 2007/2008, a bilateral collaborative arrangement with partial funding by another partner, otherwise the project would have to be terminated,” says Leif Nylander, Head of Materiel Production for the Swedish Armed Forces.
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On this basis, during January, the authorities have conducted a further detailed review of the needs of the Armed Forces and the current financial situation, also taking into account the new strategy for defence equipment procurement and support.
“Following this further review of the project and the overall financial situation, the Swedish Armed Forces have decided not to continue the SEP project and therefore not to place contracts for the next stage of development. The Armed Forces now intend to reassess their requirements prior to finding alternative vehicles on the market,” says Leif Nylander.
To date the project has cost SEK 950 million since its inception in 1994 and four prototypes have been developed.
