Örnsköldsvik, Sweden – In a solemn ceremony held today in the Swedish city of Örnsköldsvik, BAE Systems Hägglunds AB officially presented the first serial-production CV9030CZ Mk.IV infantry fighting vehicle.
The armored vehicle was delivered in the presence of Czech Republic’s Minister of Defence, Jana Černochová, and Sweden’s Minister of Defence, Pål Jonson.
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The acquisition of the CV90 is regarded as a strategic step in the modernization of the Czech Armed Forces, consolidating the country’s commitments within NATO.
Contract and delivery schedule
The contract was signed in 2023 and provides for the production of a total of 246 vehicles:
- 39 units will be produced in Sweden, mainly for initial testing;
- 207 vehicles will be assembled by the state-owned company VOP CZ, in the Czech Republic.
According to the schedule, the first armored vehicles manufactured in Sweden will arrive in the Czech Republic in 2026, while the main deliveries will take place between 2027 and 2030.
“In record time, we have eliminated the many years of delays that the project accumulated under previous administrations,” said Minister Jana Černochová.
Participation of Czech industry
One of the key aspects of the contract is the strong participation of the Czech defense industry, which is expected to account for at least 40% of the total value.
More than 20 national companies are involved in the project, including:
- VOP CZ (assembly, painting, and final testing);
- Excalibur Army;
- VR Group;
- Ray Service;
- Meopta.
In addition to assembling more than 200 vehicles, VOP CZ is also engaged in research and development, including the creation of a medical version of the CV90 and an artillery observation vehicle.
Strategic reinforcement within NATO
The new CV9030CZ Mk.IV will be used to re-equip the battalions of the 7th Mechanized Brigade, in line with the Czech Republic’s NATO commitments, particularly the Capability Targets 2025 approved at the latest NATO summit.
The presentation of the first vehicle in the colors of the Czech Army symbolizes not only the country’s military modernization but also the strengthening of industrial cooperation between Prague and Stockholm.
Source and images: Ministerstvo obrany. X @ObranaTweetuje | BAE Systems Czech X @BAES_Czech. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
