Sweden has unveiled the first CV90 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) intended for the Czech armed forces. It will arrive in the country in 2026, three years after the purchase contract was signed.
The armored vehicle rolled off the production line at BAE Systems Hägglunds, where 39 units will be manufactured. The remaining 207 IFVs will be manufactured at Czech companies such as VOP CZ and Excalibur Army.
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Most of the deliveries will be made in 2027-2030. This is most likely due to the time needed to reorient the industry from servicing and modernizing Soviet equipment to producing new Western equipment.
The agreement to purchase 246 CV9030CZ Mk.IV vehicles worth $2.2 billion was signed on May 24, 2023. It allows for a 40% localization level, including the final assembly of the vehicles.
The project involves 30 Czech companies, which had secured contracts worth $528 million by September 2024. In addition to general assembly, there are plans for local production of turrets, electronics, communication systems, electronic warfare equipment, and various chassis components.
Slovakia also purchased CV90s along with the Czech Republic and is also planning to localize 40% of production. In other words, because of their proximity, the countries could theoretically attract each other’s industries.
It is currently known that the Czech vehicles will reinforce the Czech Army's 7th Mechanized Brigade. At the same time, the country's Ministry of Defense and BAE emphasize that the IFVs have already been tested on the battlefield, where they performed well.
Most likely, this refers to their use in Ukraine, where they became part of military aid. The CV90s have shown strong protection and firepower, as well as good adaptability to unconventional roles, such as acting as improvised self-propelled howitzers.
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