Sweden Modernizes with CV9035 MkIIIC IFVs for Enhanced Firepower and Digital Warfare.

According to information released by the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) on June 17, 2025, Sweden has launched a comprehensive rearmament initiative, replacing over 50 CV9040C infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) donated to Ukraine with the advanced CV9035 MkIIIC model. The transition, currently underway within the 7th Mechanized Brigade (MekB7) of the Southern Skåne Regiment (P 7), is being managed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) in close coordination with BAE Systems Hägglunds. With deliveries and integration extending through 2030, this modernization marks a defining shift in Sweden’s ground combat capabilities.
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The CV9035 MkIIIC mounts a 35mm Bushmaster III chain gun capable of firing programmable airburst rounds, providing superior lethality against entrenched infantry, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and light armored threats.  (Picture source: WikiCommons )

This evolution represents far more than a hardware replacement; it signals a doctrinal transformation. The outgoing CV9040C, equipped with a 40mm Bofors cannon, was developed during the Cold War for conventional armored warfare, prioritizing high-velocity direct fire. Despite upgrades for expeditionary roles, the platform lacked essential features such as programmable munitions, anti-tank missile integration, and advanced situational awareness systems. Its donation to Ukraine has allowed Sweden to pivot toward a system aligned with today’s battlefield requirements, including digital integration, modular protection, and network-centric warfare.

At the heart of the new platform is its enhanced armament suite. The CV9035 MkIIIC mounts a 35mm Bushmaster III chain gun capable of firing programmable airburst rounds, providing superior lethality against entrenched infantry, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and light armored threats. Integrated Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) extend its reach against heavier targets, while a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun offers close-range support.

The decision to transition from the 40mm Bofors to the 35mm Bushmaster may appear counterintuitive at first glance, but it reflects a strategic move toward greater versatility. Although the 35mm is slightly smaller in caliber, it supports a wider range of modern munitions, including airburst and future smart rounds, enabling the vehicle to engage a broader spectrum of threats. The Bushmaster’s compatibility with NATO logistics and digital fire control systems enhances interoperability, while its chain-driven design ensures reliability in sustained operations.

The vehicle’s survivability and mobility have also been significantly upgraded. It is powered by an 830-horsepower Scania V8 engine paired with an electronically controlled transmission, delivering high agility across rugged terrain. Rubber band tracks reduce acoustic and vibration signatures, improving stealth and crew endurance. Modular armor options and an active protection system (APS) capable of intercepting incoming missiles provide all-around defense, while 360-degree sensors and threat warning systems offer unparalleled situational awareness.

Internally, the CV9035 MkIIIC introduces a fully digitized combat environment. Networked with C4ISR systems, it enables real-time information sharing, sensor fusion, and precision targeting across multiple platforms. Its hunter-killer sight configuration and automated fire control represent a leap forward in multi-target engagement capabilities, allowing Swedish crews to act faster and more decisively under fire.

Operational flexibility is another key strength. The IFV accommodates seven dismounts and includes a powered rear ramp for rapid deployment in urban and high-threat environments. Ergonomic crew stations and improved internal layouts support extended missions and faster combat effectiveness.

Training and doctrinal adaptation are integral to the MkIIIC’s deployment. FMV is establishing new training infrastructures, including programs for instructors, technicians, and mechanics. Sweden is also collaborating with Denmark and the Netherlands, countries with deep operational experience in earlier CV90 variants, to accelerate force readiness and harmonize operational standards. Other nations have also adopted the vehicle: a total of ten countries, including the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Ukraine, have selected the CV90 platform, with Denmark ordering 115 CV9035 MkIIICs under a $2.5 billion agreement.

This modernization effort marks more than a technical upgrade; it’s a strategic inflection point in Sweden’s approach to ground warfare. The CV9035 MkIIIC embodies a new era of Swedish mechanized operations, designed to thrive in high-intensity, networked, and multi-domain environments. With its cutting-edge firepower, robust survivability, and digital combat architecture, it positions Sweden’s land forces as a credible, NATO-ready force for the 21st century.