Over 110 years of military testing history
When your in-depth test and evaluation (T&E) projects or complex training scenarios call for more than your local facilities can offer, where do you turn? To FMV’s Land Test Centres.
Karlsborg has a long history of military testing, ever since the Swedish Armed Forces began ammunition tests on the site back in 1911. Over a century later, you’ll still find us there – testing, evolving and learning from decades of experience at our FMV Land Test Centres (LTCs).
Want to arrange your next land testing project?
Explore the test systems and infrastructure at our Land Test Centres and discover what's possible.
Specialised facilities for advanced testing needs
Our FMV LTCs are ideally situated in Sweden, within easy proximity for European customers. Located at Karlsborg and Skövde, with additional testing resources accessible at Älvdalen Firing Range, each centre and range specialise in different testing requirements. Just let us know your T&E project needs, and we’ll ensure you have access to all the necessary resources.
Explore past projects with our land customer cases
Extensive knowledge, dedicated support
FMV’s LTCs are solely responsible for the testing of all land systems procured for the Swedish Armed Forces. With dedicated support from our specialist staff, we offer T&E services for land systems including soldier equipment, small arms, armed personnel carriers, main battle tanks, artillery systems, weapon and vehicle systems, environmental tests and more.
History
1911: The Swedish Army selects a suitable location (Karlsborg) and begins ammunition testing.
1927: The first artillery tests are performed at the site.
1954: The first missile tests are undertaken, with Rb 304 on aircraft J29 and 32 Lansen.
1968: FMV is founded and the test centre in Karlsborg is incorporated into the new authority.
1980s: Extensive testing of the missile system Rb 15 is undertaken, including launches from aircraft, vessels and ground-based platforms.
1994: One of the largest catch boxes in Europe, measuring 25x20x35 m, is constructed at Karlsborg, containing 8000 m³ sand.
1997: Test of Rb 15 is conducted in Lake Vättern.
2000: The department for vehicle testing in Skövde is integrated into the organisation.
2014: An agreement is made with the Swedish Army regarding allowing international partners and customers access to Älvdalen Firing Range through FMV T&E.
2017: Airbus Helicopter the first international customer to perform live firing at Älvdalen Firing Range when H145M fired unguided and laser-guided rockets.
2022: The capability to perform live firing with SHORAD systems against airborne tow targets out over Lake Vättern is re-established when Saab performs firings with RBS 70 in collaboration with an international end user.