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Denmark Equips its CV90 with Saab Barracuda Camouflage System to Enhance Stealth.
On 3 February 2025, the Danish Army integrated the Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) developed by Saab onto its CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. This upgrade aims to reduce the vehicles' detectability on the battlefield, minimize their exposure to enemy threats, and enhance troop safety.
The Saab Barracuda MCS provides advanced multispectral protection, reducing the vehicle's detectability across visible, infrared, thermal, and radar wavelengths (Picture source: Forsvaret)
Soldiers have installed the system on their armored vehicles for the first time at the Guard Hussar Regiment's maintenance facility in Slagelse. Initial feedback from personnel highlights its functional design and compatibility with operational needs. According to Senior Sergeant Flemming Ahrenkiel of the Danish Ministry of Defence’s Protection and Camouflage Department, concealment is a key factor in battlefield survival. Modern threats require camouflage that extends beyond visual masking, incorporating measures to counter-surveillance and detection systems.
The CV90 Mk IV is a tracked infantry fighting vehicle designed for high mobility, firepower, and protection. Powered by a 1,000-horsepower Scania diesel engine and a Perkins X300 automatic transmission, it reaches a top speed of 70 km/h while maintaining an increased payload capacity. Its modular D-series turret accommodates automatic cannons ranging from 30 mm to 50 mm, a 120 mm smoothbore gun, anti-tank missile launchers such as the Spike LR, and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun. The vehicle's protection includes welded steel armor capable of withstanding 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds, with additional frontal protection classified. It can also be equipped with the Iron Fist active protection system. Additionally, the CV90 Mk IV integrates an NGVA-compliant electronic system, improving situational awareness and sensor-weapon integration.
In 2024, Denmark procured 115 CV90 MkIIIC units from BAE Systems Hägglunds under a contract valued at approximately 9.975 billion Danish kroner (about $1.5 billion). These vehicles are intended to enhance the Danish Army's operational capabilities by improving mobility, protection, and firepower. Designed for northern environments, the CV90 is in service with multiple European countries and continues to be upgraded to meet contemporary conflict requirements.
The Saab Barracuda MCS provides advanced multispectral protection, reducing the vehicle's detectability across visible, infrared, thermal, and radar wavelengths. This capability enhances resilience against modern reconnaissance technologies and increases the survivability of military assets in sensor-dense environments.
Saab’s camouflage system minimizes electromagnetic contrast, reducing visual, infrared, and radar signatures while also preventing heat buildup and surface reflection. Additional features include dust prevention, improved logistical efficiency, and enhanced endurance for onboard electronics and personnel through internal temperature regulation. Designed for various platforms, the system enables concealed mobility and reduces exposure to adversary sensors. Saab, with over five decades of expertise in signature management, also offers training through the Barracuda Academy, equipping military personnel with the necessary knowledge to optimize camouflage and improve survivability.
Denmark’s collaboration with Saab Barracuda is built on long-standing trust, with Saab’s expertise ensuring the system is adapted to the country’s operational landscape. Camouflage requirements have evolved alongside global security challenges, shifting from desert-oriented solutions to systems optimized for forested environments, an area in which Saab’s technology is particularly effective.
Now fully installed, the camouflage system will undergo real-world field testing. Initial impressions from the maintenance facility are positive, and expectations remain high regarding its operational effectiveness.