Discover latest modern variant of Swedish CV90 IFV in service with Netherlands Army.

The Dutch Army has recently introduced the most advanced version of the Swedish-made BAE Systems CV90 tracked armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), a key asset in its mechanized infantry units since 2009. This upgraded model is based on the CV9035 variant, which has been central to the Army's operations for over a decade, and the improvements are designed to keep the vehicle effective for years to come.
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The modernized variant of CV9035 for the Dutch Army.  (Picture source: Netherlands MoD)

The standard CV9035 in service with the Dutch Army is a tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) designed to enhance mechanized infantry units' mobility, protection, and firepower. The vehicle is fitted with a two-man turret armed with a 35mm Bushmaster III automatic cannon, it offers substantial firepower for engaging both armored and soft targets. Its design also includes a co-axial FN MAG machine gun and advanced optics for improved target acquisition and accuracy in various conditions. The vehicle can transport a full squad of infantry while providing them with protection from small arms fire, artillery fragments, and certain anti-tank threats.

Since entering service in 2009, the CV9035 has become the backbone of the Dutch Army's mechanized forces. It offers superior mobility with its tracked chassis, allowing it to operate effectively in various terrains. The CV9035 is also fitted with advanced armor and defensive systems to ensure crew safety in high-threat environments, making it a reliable asset in both defensive and offensive operations.

In October 2022, BAE Systems revealed the first of these modernized CV90s at its Hägglunds facility in Sweden. This unveiling followed a $500 million (€460 million) contract awarded in January 2021 for modernizing 122 vehicles, with an option for an additional 19. The upgrade ensures these vehicles will remain in service until at least 2039. The first batch of the updated IFVs has already been delivered to the Dutch Army this year, marking a significant milestone in the Army's modernization efforts.

The updated CV9035NL boasts several new features that enhance its overall capability. Key modifications have been made to the vehicle's turret, where the 35mm Bushmaster III cannon has been repositioned to create more space and improve ammunition handling. Additionally, the FN MAG machine gun has been relocated from inside the turret to an external pod, reducing the amount of gun gases entering the vehicle and improving conditions for the crew.

The upgraded model also includes several new subsystems, starting with an integrated missile launcher capable of carrying and firing two Israeli-made Spike anti-tank guided missiles. Another major addition is the Elbit Iron Fist Light Decoupled Active Protection System, which can intercept anti-tank rockets (ATR) and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM). The Dutch CV9035NL is the first operational vehicle within NATO to feature this advanced protection system.

Other enhancements include the installation of an Electronic Optical Panoramic Sight (EOPS) for the vehicle commander, which offers stabilized, long-range imaging with both day and thermal cameras, as well as a laser rangefinder. The system is mounted on a movable mast that can be extended by half a meter and provides a full 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings.

The chassis and the vehicle’s IT network have also been upgraded, which is now more secure and capable of future updates. Improved information delivery has greatly enhanced the crew’s situational awareness. All of the vehicle’s external cameras have been replaced, and the driver now has access to a new camera system.

Overall, these upgrades not only improve the CV90’s protection and firepower but also extend its effective operational range and greatly enhance the crew’s situational awareness, making it a formidable and more reliable platform for the Dutch Army well into the future.

Key Features of the Modernized Dutch CV9035NL: Enhanced turret design with a repositioned 35mm Bushmaster cannon, external FN MAG machine gun, integrated Spike missile launcher, advanced Iron Fist Active Protection System, Electronic Optical Panoramic Sight (EOPS), upgraded IT network, and improved crew situational awareness for superior battlefield performance. (Picture source Netherlands MoD)