BAE Systems has entered into separate agreements with Sweden and Denmark for the procurement of new CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) with a total value of around USD 2.5 billion.
These agreements are part of a newly established trilateral framework with the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), aimed at enhancing the acquisition of CV9035 MkIIIC combat vehicles for both nations. This initiative follows an initial contract that was finalized between BAE Systems and Sweden’s FMV in May 2024.
Denmark is set to acquire 115 new CV9035 MkIIIC IFVs under these contracts, while Sweden has committed to purchasing a total of 50 new platforms. Additionally, the agreement encompasses the provision of further vehicles for Ukraine, which will be funded by both governments. Consequently, the overall value of the CV9035 MkIIICs contracted under this framework agreement amounts to around USD 2.5 billion, which includes spare parts, support services, logistics, and training.
“The infantry fighting vehicle is an essential component of the heavy brigade we are currently building. The 115 new vehicles will significantly enhance Denmark’s contribution to collective security and international operations. With the 44 existing vehicles, we will have a total of 159 vehicles, providing us with substantial strength – also from an international perspective,” said Major General Peter Boysen, Chief of the Royal Danish Army.
“These new CV9035 MkIIICs will extend the capabilities of the armed forces of Sweden and Denmark. They will also provide their crews with improved situational awareness and increased mobility, protection, and lethality,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds, which designs and produces the CV90.
BAE Systems has stated that the latest iteration of the CV9035MkIIIC has been developed to align with the standards established by the recent mid-life upgrade program for the CV90 in the Netherlands. This version will feature the advanced CV90 turret, which represents a significant advancement in both design and operational capabilities. The development of this vehicle is grounded in extensive combat experience, ongoing enhancements, and insights gathered from the CV90 User Club, which includes ten nations that operate CV90 fleets. The shared platform of the CV90 facilitates interoperability among users, both within individual nations and across international borders.
BAE Systems’ CV90 IFVs are recognized for their exceptional combat capabilities within the 20-38-ton category. They are designed to accommodate a diverse array of weapon systems, ensuring comprehensive engagement capabilities for land forces globally. With a total of 1,900 units ordered across 17 distinct variants, the CV90 has collectively traversed over eight million kilometers. It has been adopted by ten European nations, eight of which are NATO members, and has been deployed in combat scenarios in Afghanistan and Ukraine, in addition to operations in Liberia.
Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90)
The Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90), known in Swedish as stridsfordon 90, strf 90, or Stridsfordon 90, represents a series of tracked armored combat vehicles developed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Hägglund & Söner, and Bofors during the mid-1980s to early 1990s, with its introduction into service in Sweden occurring in the mid-1990s. The design of the CV90 platform has undergone continuous evolution, progressing from the Mk 0 to the latest Mk IV, adapting to technological advancements and the evolving demands of the battlefield.
The Swedish variant of the primary infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) is equipped with a turret from Bofors, featuring a 40 mm Bofors autocannon. In contrast, export models are outfitted with Hägglunds E-series turrets, which can be armed with either a 30 mm Mk44 or a 35 mm Bushmaster autocannon. Over the years, Hägglund & Söner’s role has transitioned to Alvis Hägglunds (since 1997) and subsequently to BAE Systems Hägglunds (since 2004).
Engineered specifically for the Nordic subarctic environment, the vehicle demonstrates excellent mobility in snowy and wetland conditions while accommodating and supporting eight fully equipped soldiers, and in later iterations, six. Additional variants include those designed for forward artillery observation, command and control, anti-aircraft operations, armoured recovery, and electronic warfare, among others. Presently, approximately 1,400 vehicles across 17 variants are in service or will be deployed with ten user nations, seven of which are members of the NATO alliance.
