Sweden orders both new CV9035 MkIIICs combat vehicles and additional CV90s for Ukraine.

On May 21, 2024, BAE Systems announced the signing of a contract with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) for the delivery of new CV9035 MkIIIC combat vehicles and integrated logistic support. The exact number of vehicles and the contract's value were not disclosed, but it is speculated that an initial order of around 50 CV9035 MkIIIC units could be valued at up to $360 million, with deliveries expected between 2025 and 2027.
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These new CV9035 MkIIIC combat vehicles are built to the same standards as those in the latest mid-life upgrade program for the Netherlands, featuring a newly designed turret with ergonomic improvements for the crew. (Picture source: Wikimedia)

As the original manufacturer and long-time operator of the CV90 IFV, Sweden has maintained a continuous fleet since the 1990s. Despite the recent donation of 50 CV90 40Cs to Ukraine, Sweden still possesses a considerable number of these vehicles, with an estimated 459 units remaining in service. The new CV9035 MkIIIC vehicles will replace the CV9040 models that Sweden donated to Ukraine, and the contract also includes provisions for additional new-build CV90s intended to further support Ukraine. This initiative not only benefits the Swedish and Ukrainian armies but also opens the door for other nations to join in procuring these advanced combat vehicles.

This agreement was formalized by Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, Managing Director of BAE Systems Hägglunds, and Brigadier General Jonas Lotsne, Director of Land Systems at the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV). Tommy Gustafsson-Rask stated that the new CV9035 MkIIICs will enhance the capabilities of both the Swedish and Ukrainian armies, providing crews with improved combat awareness, mobility, protection, and lethality. These vehicles are built to the same standards as those in the latest mid-life upgrade program for the Netherlands, featuring a newly designed turret with ergonomic improvements for the crew.

Key features of the CV9035 MkIIIC include a Bushmaster III 35mm autocannon, which offers greater firepower than the 40mm Bofors gun used in the CV9040C. The vehicle is designed with enhanced survivability and mobility, integrating the latest electronic architecture to support future upgrades. The gross weight of the CV9035 MkIIIC is approximately 32 tonnes, with the potential to increase to 35 tonnes. The vehicle also includes the E35 turret seen on the AMV35 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV), which provides improved ergonomics and targeting systems.

With 1,700 units ordered in 17 variants since its creation, the CV90 family has accumulated over eight million kilometers in service. The Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) is a Swedish family of tracked armored vehicles developed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) in collaboration with Hägglund & Söner and Bofors. Initiated in the mid-1980s to address the Swedish Army's need for a highly mobile, air-defense capable, and anti-tank platform, the CV90 entered service in the mid-1990s. The vehicle has undergone several iterations, evolving from the initial Mk 0 to the current Mk IV, to incorporate advancements in technology and meet diverse battlefield requirements.

The CV90 is designed for adaptability and effectiveness in various terrains, especially those found in the Nordic subarctic climate. It features a turret system with different armaments depending on the variant: the Swedish version uses a 40mm Bofors autocannon, while export versions are equipped with either a 30mm or 35mm Bushmaster autocannon. The vehicle's modular design supports various roles, including air defense, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. It weighs between 20 to 37 tons, depending on the configuration, and is powered by a diesel engine that provides a high power-to-weight ratio, allowing it to perform well in difficult terrains such as snow and wetlands.

There are multiple variants of the CV90, each tailored to specific operational needs. These include the CV9040 (standard IFV), CV9030 (export variant with a 30mm cannon), CV9035 (with a 35mm cannon for the Dutch Army), and specialized versions such as the Forward Command Vehicle, Forward Observer Vehicle, Anti-Aircraft Vehicle, and Armored Recovery Vehicle. The latest Mk IV version features enhancements such as a more powerful engine, improved survivability, and a fully digital architecture for better integration with modern combat systems.

The CV90 is currently in use by several countries, making it a widely adopted infantry fighting vehicle in Europe. Sweden, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Estonia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic all operate various CV90 models. Norway was the first export customer, and recent developments included a joint production agreement with Ukraine, indicating the platform's continued relevance and adaptability to current defense needs.