The Future of Light Armor. A new version of the CV9030CZ Mk.IV, the best Western IFV, has been unveiled for the Czech Army. What is known about this vehicle?
Today, August 28, 2025, in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, BAE Systems Hägglunds AB held a ceremonial presentation of a new version of the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle, which many consider to be the best Western—or even the best in the world—infantry fighting vehicle. The ceremony was attended by Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová and her Swedish counterpart Paul Jonsson, who were given a tour of the new armored vehicle. This acquisition marks an important step toward the modernization of the Czech Armed Forces.
The contract was signed in 2023. The minister noted:
“We have successfully overcome the years of delays that had accumulated under previous ministry leaderships in a record-short amount of time.”
Sweden will manufacture 39 vehicles, the first of which are intended for testing, while another 207 IFVs will be assembled by the Czech state-owned company VOP CZ. The first armored vehicles from Sweden are expected to arrive in the Czech Republic in 2026, while the main deliveries are scheduled for the period from 2027 to 2030.
One of the Ministry of Defense’s top priorities is to involve the Czech defense industry in this contract. The Swedish side has guaranteed that Czech companies will account for at least 40% of the total contract value. More than 20 Czech companies are participating in the project, with VOP CZ, Excalibur Army, VR Group, Ray Service, and Meopta serving as key subcontractors. Their representatives attended today’s ceremony, where the first armored vehicle in Czech colors was unveiled. This project opens up opportunities for Czech companies to participate in the production of armored vehicles for other customers.
As previously mentioned, the state-owned enterprise VOP CZ will play a significant role in production, assembling more than 200 armored vehicles. It is also responsible for painting and final testing before the vehicles are handed over to the Czech Army; in addition, the company is engaged in design and research work, including the development of a medical version of the CV90 and an artillery observation vehicle.
The CV90 armored vehicles are intended to re-equip the battalions of the 7th Mechanized Brigade, which is part of the Czech Republic’s NATO commitments, including the Capability Targets 2025 approved at the alliance’s most recent summit.
From the specifications:
- Crew: 3 people.
- Combat weight: 28.7 metric tons.
- Engine: Saab Scania DI16 diesel, 14-cylinder, with 625 l. s. of power.
- Maximum speed: 70 km/h on the highway; 40–43 km/h in reverse.
- Range: 600 km.
- Armament: 30-mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II automatic cannon, 7.7-mm Maschinengewehr 1951/00 machine gun.
- Troop Transport: Can carry 8 paratroopers.
- Protection: The hull and turret are protected by multilayer armor; additional modular armor can be mounted over the composite armor modules.
