The agreement between Sweden and Slovakia will see BAE Systems deliver 152 CV9035 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to the Slovakian ministry of defence.
The CV90s will be produced and delivered in several configurations with in cooperation with Slovak industry, including ZTS - ŠPECIÁL as the main industry partner to BAE Systems. Other Slovak state-owned and private companies will take roles in producing the vehicles and supporting the program in the longer term.
“I am excited for another major modernisation project for our land forces. With these vehicles, we are fulfilling our commitment from a few years ago – to build a heavy mechanized brigade. I am looking forward to close cooperation with our partners who are already using the Swedish vehicles," said Jaroslav Naď, minister of defence for the Slovak Republic.
The Slovak Army will receive the CV90MkIV - the latest iteration of the CV9035 – which combines improved battlefield speeds and handling with an upgraded electronic architecture to support future growth and evolving battlefield requirements.
The Slovak CV90s will be equipped with the new D-series turret with a 35mm gun. According to BAE Systems, the turret provides CV9035 crews with improved protection and amplified combat efficiency through the latest generation of sensors, artificial intelligence and augmented reality software, increasing the CV9035s multi-domain capabilities on the battlefield.
The Slovak CV9035 will also be equipped with Elbit Systems’ Iron Fist active protection system (APS) and an integrated, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ SPIKE-LR, an advanced anti-tank guided missile.
Of the 152 vehicles, 122 will be delivered as the infantry fighting vehicle variant. Twelve IFVs will be built in a new configuration for the anti-material rifles and grenade launcher squad. The remaining vehicles include command & control, reconnaissance and engineer and recovery variants. The contract also covers training and education, plus tactical simulators.
“We are committed to delivering an infantry fighting vehicle that meets the Slovak Army’s requirements now and in the future,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, which designs and produces the CV90.
The Slovak Republic joins Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands as the eighth member of the CV90 User Club.
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