Czech Republic to acquire 246 CV90 Mk IV IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicles from BAE Systems.

24 May 2023 - In a landmark defense deal, the Czech Republic has confirmed the procurement of 246 CV90 Mk IV infantry fighting vehicles. The agreement, valued at SEK 22 billion ($2.2 billion), has been inked with the Swedish government, the Swedish defense procurement organization FMV, and BAE Systems Hägglunds.
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BAE Systems CV90 Mk IV tracked armored IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle. (Picture source BAE Systems)

The acquisition, consisting of seven different variants of the combat-proven CV90 Mk IV, underscores a significant enhancement in firepower, mobility, and protection for the Czech army. Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds, headquartered in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, welcomed the Czech Republic as the ninth member of the CV90 User Group.

"This contract signifies a tremendous triumph for the Czech industry, ensuring its pivotal role in the program," said Gustafsson-Rask. "With this decision, the Czech Republic will derive long-term benefits from this leading-edge infantry fighting vehicle, featuring future growth potential."

The vehicles, boasting superior tactical and strategic capabilities, will be developed and delivered via a partnership with the Czech industry, meeting the prerequisites of the Czech Ministry of Defence. This strategic alliance aims to uphold national sovereignty for the Czech Republic, with Czech industrial partners accounting for 40% of the acquisition's value in development, production, and assembly contracts, exclusive of VAT.

Beyond contract allocation, the program promises expansive industrial opportunities, bolstering the local defense sector and granting access to BAE Systems' global supply chain. The arrangement is poised to enrich cooperative prospects and augment local competitiveness.

The CV90 Mk IV, being the most advanced iteration of the top-tier infantry fighting vehicle, has earned its reputation in battlefields worldwide, participating in coalition operations under both NATO and UN mandates. Showcasing resilience across diverse terrains and tactical environments, the CV90 is adept at tackling an extensive range of ground and airborne targets.

The CV90 Mk IV, manufactured by BAE Systems Hägglunds, is the latest generation of the CV90 family of infantry fighting vehicles. The MkIV variant provides a robust combination of mobility, firepower, and protection. The vehicle has proven its merit in combat, being deployed around the world under NATO and UN mandates in diverse terrain and tactical environments.

The CV90 M kIV showcases superior tactical and strategic capabilities, including the ability to target a wide range of ground and airborne threats. This makes it a preferred choice for coalition operations.

BAE Systems Hägglunds has already produced over 1,400 CV90s across 17 variants for various European countries, including five NATO members. Slovakia has also recently opted for the CV90 for its armed forces, making them the eighth member, preceded by the Czech Republic, in the CV90 User Group.

Defense News May 2023