Breaking News: Czech Army Receives First CV9030 MkIV Combat Vehicle Under Major NATO Modernization.

On August 28, 2025, BAE Systems Hägglunds in Sweden officially unveiled the first CV9030 MkIV infantry fighting vehicle for the Czech Army, as reported by BAE Systems. The ceremony was attended by Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson and Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová, underscoring the strategic significance of this delivery. This milestone is part of a broader modernization effort aimed at enhancing the Czech Republic’s defense capabilities and meeting NATO obligations. The rollout highlights not only the transfer of advanced military technology but also the strengthening of industrial and strategic ties between Sweden and the Czech Republic.

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The CV9030 MkIV is the most advanced variant of the CV90 family, combining firepower, protection, and mobility into a single platform. Its primary armament is the 30 mm Bushmaster II automatic cannon, capable of engaging both armored and soft targets with high precision. In addition to the main gun, the vehicle is fitted with twin anti-tank guided missile launchers, which give it the ability to defeat heavily armored threats, including modern main battle tanks, at extended ranges. These launchers typically integrate advanced missile systems such as the Spike LR, providing fire-and-forget and fire-and-update capabilities with ranges up to 5 kilometers. The combination of cannon and missile systems enables the CV9030 MkIV to deliver overmatch against peer IFVs and armored formations. Enhanced by advanced fire control systems, stabilized optics, and a next-generation sensor suite, the vehicle ensures superior situational awareness and engagement effectiveness. To maximize survivability, the CV9030 MkIV is also equipped with modular armor packages, mine protection, and an active protection system designed to counter both kinetic penetrators and explosive projectiles. Its 1,000 hp engine and adaptive suspension deliver high mobility across demanding terrain, ensuring that the platform can maneuver and fight effectively in complex operational environments.

The development of the CV90 platform spans decades of operational use across Europe, with the MkIV being the most advanced configuration to date. The Czech procurement builds on a legacy established by Sweden, Norway, Finland, and more recently Slovakia, all of which have adopted variants of the CV90. Its battlefield effectiveness has also been noted in Ukraine, where similar platforms have demonstrated resilience against high-intensity threats. The Czech program foresees 246 vehicles in total, with 39 produced in Sweden and 207 assembled in the Czech Republic, marking a long-term industrial partnership and reinforcing the nation’s defense autonomy. Deliveries will run in phases until 2030, allowing the Czech Army to train crews, integrate the new vehicles into its mechanized brigades, and maintain operational readiness throughout the transition.

The rollout ceremony of the first CV9030 MkIV, hosted by Swedish Minister of Defence Pål Jonson and attended by Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová, marked a significant milestone in the modernization of the Czech armed forces and their contribution to NATO collective defense. Jonson emphasized that the CV90 is now a cornerstone for multiple European armies and has already proven its effectiveness in Ukraine and in the defense of Europe. Černochová described the program as the result of months of negotiations and extensive joint efforts, underscoring that the acquisition reflects not only plans but tangible progress in equipping Czech soldiers with advanced combat systems.

Compared with other modern infantry fighting vehicles such as Germany’s Puma or the U.S. Bradley, the CV9030 MkIV offers a balanced combination of protection, firepower, and cost-effectiveness. While the Puma emphasizes advanced armor and situational awareness, it comes at significantly higher cost and complexity. The CV9030 MkIV, by contrast, provides proven battlefield performance with greater industrial participation and interoperability within NATO. Its modularity and upgradeability ensure that it remains competitive against peers while offering a more sustainable procurement model.

Strategically, this acquisition strengthens the Czech Republic’s role within NATO’s eastern flank. The vehicles will enhance the operational capacity of Czech mechanized brigades, ensuring readiness in both collective defense and expeditionary operations. By joining the CV90 User Club, the Czech Army also gains access to shared operational experiences, joint training opportunities, and accelerated upgrade pathways with allied nations, bolstering interoperability in joint missions. From a geopolitical standpoint, the rollout signifies closer defense ties between Prague and Stockholm, while demonstrating the Czech Republic’s commitment to NATO force modernization in the face of growing security challenges in Europe.

The SEK 22 billion ($2.2 billion) contract underscores both the military and economic weight of the program. With 40% of the work allocated to Czech industry, it guarantees domestic involvement in development, production, and system integration. This industrial share not only strengthens the local defense base but also integrates Czech suppliers into BAE Systems’ global supply chain. It expands opportunities for long-term industrial cooperation and enhances the country’s security of supply and sovereignty. The phased delivery schedule ensures a sustainable pace, with the last vehicles to be handed over in 2030.

The rollout of the first CV9030 MkIV represents far more than the delivery of a single vehicle. It is a demonstration of industrial cooperation, transatlantic alliance cohesion, and the fusion of battlefield-proven technology with domestic industrial growth. By investing in the CV90 program, the Czech Republic not only modernizes its land forces but also consolidates its role as a key contributor to NATO’s collective defense, ensuring that its mechanized units will remain equipped with cutting-edge capabilities for decades to come.