Swedish CV9040 IFVs are now being used in the Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces
In a Twitter video released by MilitaryLand on July 9, 2023, it appears that Sweden's support for Ukraine has taken a new turn. The video reveals the deployment of the Swedish CV9040 infantry fighting vehicle in the framework of the Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces, a development that marks an escalation in Sweden's involvement in the conflict of Ukraine.
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A Swedish 9040 infantry fighting vehicle near the Ukrainian Frontline (Pictures sources MilitaryLand and Wikimedia)
As part of its military aid efforts, Sweden has provided Ukraine with several CV9040 vehicles equipped with a 40mm autocannon, strengthening Ukraine's capabilities against the Russian invasion.
The CV9040 demonstrates several differences compared to the BMP-1 and BMP-2 in service with the Ukrainian forces. Its 40mm Bofors autocannon offers increased firepower when compared to the 73mm smoothbore gun of the BMP-1 and the 30mm automatic cannon of the BMP-2. The CV9040 features composite armor that provides enhanced protection, while the BMP-1 and BMP-2 have aluminum armor with more limited capabilities. In terms of mobility, the CV9040 showcases good maneuverability across various terrains, while the BMP-1 and BMP-2 exhibit reasonable mobility and the ability to operate in amphibious environments.
The Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90), also known as Stridsfordon 90 (Strf 90), is a series of Swedish tracked armored combat vehicles. It was designed by Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Hägglunds, and Bofors during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and was introduced into service in Sweden during the mid-1990s. Over time, the design of the CV90 platform has evolved from the Mk 0 to the current Mk IV, incorporating technological advancements and adapting to changing battlefield requirements. The Swedish version of the main infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) is equipped with a Bofors turret armed with a 40mm autocannon. Export variants feature Hägglunds E-series turrets, armed with either a 30mm Mk44 or a 35mm Bushmaster autocannon.
The CV90 was specifically developed for the Nordic subarctic climate and offers excellent mobility in snowy and wet environments. It can accommodate and support eight fully equipped soldiers, although later versions reduced the capacity to six. Other variations include forward artillery observation, command and control, anti-aircraft, armored recovery vehicles, electronic warfare versions, and more. Currently, there are approximately 1,400 CV90 vehicles in service across 17 variants, used by ten different countries, seven of which are NATO members.
The CV9040, a notable variant within the CV90 family, weighs 37 tons and provides superior armor protection compared to the American M2A2 Bradley. It features a 3P ammunition programmer, climate control, and an anti-spall liner. The Strf 9040 (CV9040) is an upgraded version intended for crew training and international operations. It includes additional all-around armor, laser filtering in all periscopes, and tropical-grade air conditioning. However, due to the added modifications' size and weight, it can only carry six soldiers.
