BAE Systems has signed a contract with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) for new CV9035 MkIIIC infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), along with associated integrated logistic support, the company announced on 21 May 2024.
This new contract will provide new-build CV9035 MkIIICs to help replenish the Swedish Army’s fleet, where they will replace CV9040 vehicles donated to Ukraine by the Swedish government. In addition, the Swedish government is procuring more new-build CV90 vehicles to expand Ukraine’s capabilities. The contract will also provide the opportunity for other nations to join in the procurement of CV90 MkIIICs.
The numbers of CV90s to be procured and the overall value of the contract were not disclosed.
“These new CV9035 MkIIICs will extend the capabilities of both the Swedish and Ukrainian armies and provide crews improved combat awareness, increased mobility, protection, and lethality,” Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of CV90 producer BAE Systems Hägglunds, was quoted as saying in a BAE Systems press release.
The new CV9035 MkIIIC is built to the same standard as the newest CV90 mid-life upgrade programme for the Netherlands. The vehicles will be equipped with a new turret that provides a leap forward in design and functionality, according to BAE Systems. It also offers significant ergonomic improvements to benefit the vehicle’s crew. The vehicle is built on years of combat-proven experience, continuous improvements and data gathering from the CV90 User Club, which comprises the nations operating CV90 fleets.
BAE Systems’ CV90 IFV can integrate a wide range of weapon systems. With a total of 1,700 vehicles ordered in 17 different variants, the worldwide CV90 fleet has covered more than eight million kilometres, BAE noted. It has been selected by 10 European nations, eight of them NATO members, and has seen combat in Afghanistan and Ukraine, as well as operations in Liberia.
