Terrängbil 16 (Galten): Sweden’s Modern Armoured Scout Vehicle
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The Terrängbil 16, known internationally as the RG32 Scout, is one of the most recognisable light armored vehicles in Swedish service. Designed for reconnaissance, patrol, and peacekeeping missions, the Tgb 16 offers a blend of protection, mobility, and modularity that fits perfectly into Sweden’s modern defence doctrine.
The Swedish variant of the RG32 has become a backbone for missions both at home and abroad—offering the crews increased survivability while retaining the agility needed for rapid-response operations.
Origin of the RG32 Platform
The RG32 was originally developed in South Africa by Land Systems OMC, designed as a rugged mine-resistant patrol vehicle. Its sturdy monocoque steel hull and V-shaped underbody gave it excellent blast protection—far superior to traditional light vehicles.
Recognising the growing need for mine-protected mobility in international missions, Sweden selected and customised the platform, resulting in the Terrängbil 16 (Tgb 16).
Sweden procured two major versions:
- RG32M (Patrol variant)
- RG32M Mk1 / Mk2 (Enhanced Swedish mission variants)
These vehicles were modified extensively for Swedish requirements.
What Makes the Swedish Terrängbil 16 Unique?
While the base RG32 is already highly capable, the Swedish Armed Forces needed a vehicle tailored for reconnaissance and peacekeeping missions. The Terrängbil 16 includes several unique features:
Swedish Mission Specific Enhancements
- Improved armor package providing ballistic and mine protection suitable for Afghanistan and Mali deployments
- Advanced communication systems integrated with Swedish digital command networks
- Weapon mount options, often with Ksp 58 or Ksp 90 machine guns
- Blue Force Tracker integration for situational awareness
- Enhanced cooling and climate systems for desert operations
- Custom interior layout for Swedish kit and equipment
These changes transformed the RG32 Scout into a modular, mission-ready armored patrol vehicle tailored to Swedish doctrine.
Designed for Mobility in Harsh Environments
The Terrängbil 16 is designed to go where heavier armored vehicles cannot. Thanks to its compact dimensions, 4×4 drivetrain, and powerful turbodiesel engine, it performs exceptionally well in:
- Mountainous terrain
- Desert environments
- Dense forest roads
- Urban patrol routes
Its mobility profile made it one of the go-to vehicles for Swedish forces deployed under UN and EU missions.
Protection That Saves Lives
One of the strongest reasons Sweden invested in Tgb 16 was its survivability. The V-shaped hull provides significant blast deflection against IEDs and mines, and its ballistic protection shields crews from small-arms fire commonly encountered in asymmetric conflicts.
During international deployments in Afghanistan and Mali, the Terrängbil 16 gained a strong reputation for keeping Swedish soldiers safe in environments where improvised explosive devices were a constant threat.
A Flexible Platform for Multiple Missions
Although often thought of as a patrol or recon vehicle, Terrängbil 16 is used in a wide variety of roles:
- Convoy escorting
- Forward observation / reconnaissance
- Command and control
- Medical evacuation (light)
- Peacekeeping patrols
- Force protection at bases
Its ability to switch roles with minimal reconfiguration makes it one of the most versatile light armored vehicles in the Swedish inventory.
A Modern Symbol of Swedish Overseas Operations
While Sweden has used many armored vehicles over the decades, few have become as closely associated with overseas deployments as the Terrängbil 16. Its silhouette—angled armor, wide windows, high ground clearance—has become iconic in images from Swedish missions in Africa and the Middle East.
Today, the Tgb 16 continues to serve as a core vehicle for units requiring reliable, mine-resistant mobility.
Add the Terrängbil 16 to Your Display Collection
For collectors of Swedish military equipment, we offer a high-detail 3D-printed model of the Terrängbil 16 / RG32 Scout—perfect for display shelves, desks, or as part of a modern Swedish Armed Forces collection.
Explore it here:
👉 Terrängbil 16 – 3D Printed Display Model
Own a piece of Sweden’s modern military history—precision recreated in display form.