Czech Army Takes Delivery Of First CV90 MkIV Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The first CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicle destined for the Army of the Czech Republic.
The first CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicle destined for the Army of the Czech Republic. Image: BAE Systems

BAE Systems has delivered the first of a scheduled 246 CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to the Czech Army.

The first CV9030 MkIV IFV for the Army of the Czech Republic was officially unveiled at a rollout ceremony at BAE Systems Hägglunds in Sweden recently.

A total of 39 of the IFVs are to be built in Sweden, with the remainder manufactured in the Czech Republic; all vehicles are anticipated to be completed and handed over by 2030. The full contract is valued at about SEK 22 billion (roughly £1.75 billion).

The newest generation of the combat-proven CV90 platform, the MkIV boasts a 30mm Bushmaster II automatic cannon and a host of next-generation sensors for enhanced situational awareness.

Modular armor and active protection systems provide improved survivability against kinetic and explosive threats.

The rollout ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Swedish Minister of Defence Pål Jonson and his Czech counterpart, Minister of Defence Jana Černochová.

Ms Černochová commented: “This is an important moment for the security of the Czech Republic. The CV90 project represents months of negotiations, hundreds of people, and thousands of hours of work. I am convinced that thanks to our joint efforts, Czech soldiers will receive in the CV90 the very best that the defence industry has to offer.”

Mr Jonson added: “The CV90 now constitutes an important cornerstone in the armed forces of several countries, and it has proven effective on the battlefield in Ukraine and in the defence of Europe. The Czech Republic will now receive a battle-tested, efficient, and successful combat vehicle.”

And managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds Tommy Gustafsson-Rask observed: “The CV90 provides an unrivalled combination of mobility, firepower, and protection, and will significantly strengthen the capabilities of the Czech Army.” 

He added: “This is just the beginning — by joining the CV90 User Club, the Czech Republic also gains access to a community of experienced operators across Europe, enabling the exchange of operational insights, joint training opportunities, and accelerated introduction of future upgrades.”

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