The contract strengthens Czech defense capabilities and provides significant industrial opportunities, while the CV90 MkIV provides state-of-the-art capabilities for the country’s armed forces
The Czech Republic has successfully concluded negotiations with the government of Sweden, the Swedish Defense Material Administration (FMV) and BAE Systems Hägglunds to purchase 246 CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicles in seven different variants. The contract is valued at SEK 22 billion, equivalent to $2.2 billion. The deal provides highly capable vehicles for Czech soldiers, while providing Czech industry with a significant role in the program.
“As the ninth member of the CV90 User Group, the Czech Republic and its army will benefit from this combat-proven vehicle, which has a leading combination of mobility, firepower, protection and future growth potential,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, Managing Director of BAE Systems Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. “This contract also represents a significant victory for Czech industry, which will resonate for decades to come.”
The CV90s will be developed and delivered through a partnership with Czech industry to meet the requirements of the country’s Ministry of Defense and the intention to maintain national sovereignty. Czech industrial partners will deliver 40% of the acquisition value in development, production and assembly contracts, excluding value-added tax (VAT).
The program also offers future industrial opportunities that represent significant monetary value well beyond the contracts signed with the Czech partners. The contract will strengthen the local defense sector by granting access to BAE Systems’ global supply chain, expanding cooperation opportunities and enhancing local competitiveness.
The CV90 MKIV, the latest generation of the leading infantry fighting vehicle, is an ideal, combat-proven vehicle. The CV90 has been deployed around the world in coalition operations under NATO and United Nations mandates. The vehicle offers superior tactical and strategic capabilities to strike a wide range of ground and air targets, and exceptional endurance in any terrain and tactical environment.
BAE Systems Hägglunds has produced more than 1,400 CV90s in 17 variants for European countries, five of which are NATO members. Slovakia recently selected the CV90 for its armed forces, joining the Czech Republic as the eighth and ninth member countries of the CV90 User Group, respectively.