#Sweden #BAE Systems #Örnsköldsvik #CV9030 MkIV #Czech Army

BAE Systems Hits Milestone with CV9030 MkIV for Czech Army

In a significant advancement for national defense, BAE Systems has officially revealed the first CV9030 MkIV infantry fighting vehicle for the Czech Army. The unveiling ceremony took place at the company’s Hägglunds facility in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, on August 28, 2025. This event was attended by notable figures, including the Swedish Minister of Defence, Pål Jonson, and the Czech Minister of Defence, Jana Černochová, symbolizing strong international cooperation aimed at bolstering military capabilities.

The introduction of the CV9030 MkIV is a crucial step in enhancing the Czech Republic's defense posture, showcasing a commitment to modernizing its armed forces in line with NATO requirements. This rollout marks the first of 246 vehicles that BAE Systems plans to deliver, with a significant portion—207 units—set to be manufactured in the Czech Republic. The phased approach to delivery will facilitate effective training with the new equipment, enabling the Czech Army to integrate it seamlessly into its mechanized brigades while maintaining operational readiness throughout the process.

Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, Managing Director of BAE Systems Hägglunds, emphasized the vehicle's capabilities: "The CV90 offers an unmatched combination of mobility, firepower, and protection, significantly enhancing the Czech Army's effectiveness in various operational scenarios.” This marks a substantial milestone for the Czech Army, as joining the CV90 family provides access to a network of seasoned operators across Europe, fostering opportunities for joint training and operational insights.

This rollout is underpinned by a three-party agreement between the Czech Republic, the Kingdom of Sweden, and BAE Systems. Minister Černochová highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Today demonstrates our commitment to not just discussing army modernization but taking concrete steps to realize it.” The CV90 project involved extensive negotiations and the efforts of hundreds of individuals over many months, reflecting a collective ambition to equip Czech soldiers with state-of-the-art technology.

The CV9030 MkIV, representing the latest generation in the CV90 series, stands out for its operational versatility. It features advanced mobility, superior firepower provided by a 30 mm Bushmaster II automatic cannon, and comprehensive protection systems tailored for modern conflict environments. Equipped with advanced sensors and fire control systems, the vehicle ensures excellent situational awareness, enabling effective response across various mission types—from high-intensity conflicts to peacekeeping operations.

The vehicle’s design also focuses on crew safety, with modular armor packages and state-of-the-art active protection systems that enhance survivability against both kinetic and explosive threats. Its adaptability allows for swift responses to diverse threats, ensuring the Czech forces can maintain operational readiness in any terrain.

This milestone was also marked by the strategic partnership formed as part of the $2.2 billion contract, which significantly engages the Czech defense sector by involving local industries in vehicle development, production, and system integration. Such engagement not only bolsters the Czech Republic’s defense manufacturing capabilities but also aligns with broader goals of national security and sovereignty, fostering substantial economic benefits for local businesses while contributing to a resilient defense ecosystem.

Minister Jonson also reaffirmed the importance of the CV90 in regional defense strategies, noting its proven combat effectiveness and the increasing importance of such vehicles in modern battlefields like Ukraine. The commitment to delivering this vehicle to the Czech Republic positions it as an essential asset in strengthening NATO’s collective defense capabilities.

As the rollout of the CV9030 MkIV unfolds, it signifies a transformative leap for the Czech Army, promising enhanced operational capacity and readiness for facing contemporary security challenges in an evolving geopolitical landscape.