First Czech CV90 IFV rolled out

The first Czech CV90 Mk IV IFV was rolled out on 28 August at BAE Systems Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. (BAE Systems)

The first Czech CV90 Mk IV infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) was rolled out on 28 August at BAE Systems Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, hosted by Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson and in the presence of his Czech counterpart, Jana Černochová, the Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD) and BAE Systems announced later the same day.

BAE Systems said in a press release that the vehicle is the first of 246 CV90s to be delivered by it and its Czech industry partners. The Czech MoD added that 39 vehicles will be manufactured in Sweden, with the first few units intended for testing. Another 207 vehicles will be assembled by Czech state-owned enterprise VOP CZ. The first armoured vehicles are planned to arrive in the Czech Republic from Sweden in 2026, followed by the main deliveries from 2027 to 2030.

Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds, said the CV90 combines mobility, firepower, and protection and will strengthen the capabilities of the Czech Army. He added, “This is just the beginning – by joining the CV90 user club, the Czech Republic also gains access to a community of experienced operators across Europe, enabling the exchange of operational insights, joint training opportunities, and accelerated introduction of future upgrades.”

On 24 May 2023, the Czech government announced it had awarded BAE Systems a SEK49.3 billion (USD5.2 million) contract for 246 CV90 IFVs. The vehicles will be the main platform of the Czech Army's 7th Mechanised Brigade, which currently operates obsolete BMP-2 IFVs. The order also includes 29 workshop vehicles, training, spare parts, and other accessories.

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