Sweden's BAE Systems Hägglunds is teaming up with Rheinmetall Weapon and Ammunition to integrate the reduced-recoil 120 mm L44A1 LR (Low Recoil) gun into the light tank CV90120, which will receive a newly developed turret. The change is intended to boost the vehicle's firepower to levels comparable with full-fledged main battle tanks.
A major advantage of the new main armament is its ability to fire various programmable rounds. Company press services cite Rheinmetall's DM11 high-explosive fragmentation shell, which offers three fuze modes: contact, delay and airburst.
Read more: Ukraine Seals Deal With LeVanta Tech Inc. That Could Sink russia's Entire Black Sea Fleet
This capability is highly useful on the battlefield and improves effectiveness against fortifications and infantry a lesson reinforced by the russo‑Ukrainian war. Such munitions might also enable the vehicle to serve in an ersatz self-propelled artillery role.
The gun will also allow firing modern improved kinetic armor‑piercing rounds, expanding the CV90120’s potential against other armored vehicles and, in particular, tanks although the vehicle is not intended primarily for tank-on-tank combat.
Although the CV90120 has failed to find a buyer over more than 25 years, Slovakia now a CV90 operator has expressed interest in the upgraded vehicle. Its compact dimensions and relatively low price make it well suited to mountainous and hilly terrain.
BAE Systems emphasizes the CV90120s high mobility, which complements its increased firepower. Smaller size and commonality with infantry fighting vehicles simplify logistics and enable strikes from terrain where full-size main battle tanks cannot operate.
As with all vehicles of this class, a key shortcoming remains protection: at best, the armor will likely only withstand rounds up to 30 mm. This deficit is expected to be mitigated in part by an active protection system, but such systems are not a panacea and can be overwhelmed by large numbers of incoming threats.
Modern main battle tanks are becoming larger and far more expensive, renewing demand for lighter yet potent machines. Several new tank projects are already working in that direction, and the CV90120 now has a renewed chance to secure a place on the market.
Read more: Czechoslovak Group Plans to Move into Drone Production With Ukrainian Support
