BAE Systems Hägglunds AB has become a key partner of the Czech Republic in one of the most important defence projects of recent years – the delivery of CV90 MkIV tracked infantry fighting vehicles. However, this project is not just an industrial programme, as it might sometimes seem, but it is primarily a strategic defence contract that fundamentally strengthens the combat capabilities of the Czech Army and increases its readiness for current and future threats.

Strategic importance of CV90 vehicles for the defence of the Czech Republic

The CV90 MkIV vehicles are designed to provide the Czech Army with state-of-the-art technology and significantly enhance its ability to respond to conventional and asymmetric threats. This type of combat vehicle is designed for a wide range of missions, from conventional combat operations to troop protection in humanitarian missions or in low-intensity conflicts. Thanks to its modularity and advanced defence systems, the CV90 MkIV is becoming the basis for the modernisation of the Czech Army's 7th Mechanised Brigade, which is a key element of the country's defence strategy. The Czech Army will receive its first vehicles as early as 2026.

In the context of rising geopolitical tensions in Europe and potential threats on NATO's eastern border, the modernisation of the defence forces, including the equipping of units with state-of-the-art combat vehicles, is a critical element of national security. The CV90 MkIV, with its advanced crew protection, weapon systems and mobility capabilities, enables the Czech Army to not only more effectively counter these threats, but also to actively participate in joint operations within NATO and the European Union. This also fulfils our commitment to NATO.

Progress in contract implementation

The CV90 MkIV delivery programme, which was initiated in close cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, is progressing according to the established schedule. Significant progress is the completion of the gun turret prototype, where final configurations are underway according to the requirements of the Czech Army. This progress has been supported by successful test firings, which have verified the functionality and reliability of the weapon systems.

The production line is already processing the steel for the first parts of the vehicle chassis, a clear signal that the project is entering its key production phase. Orders for other critical components, including weapons systems, have also already been placed, reflecting the commitment to meet the schedule and ensure that the new vehicles will be available to the Czech armed forces on time.

Czech industry as a key partner

As part of the CV90 MkIV contract, BAE Systems Hägglunds AB has already contracted more than 20 Czech contractors who will play a key role in the project. Major players such as VOP CZ, Excalibur Army, Ray Service, Meopta and VR Group are supplying everything from system integration and tower kit manufacturing to cabling, optical instruments and simulators. Cooperation with these partners was established before the main contract with the Ministry of Defence was signed, underlining the trust BAE Systems has in the Czech industry.

Of particular note, for example, is the cooperation with Meopta, which has been selected as the exclusive supplier of the UTAAS targeting system for CV90 vehicles on a global scale. This system is a key part of the combat capability of the vehicles, not only for the Czech Republic, but for all BAE Systems customers worldwide.

Moreover, the scope and importance of the industrial cooperation between the Czech partners and BAE Systems Hägglunds will grow in the coming months as the vehicle production continues. We must not forget that the Czech Republic, or rather Czech industrial companies, will be developing two variants of their own, a medical version and an artillery observation platform.

Extended cooperation: the Tatra Defence Vehicle is an example

An important part of the broader framework of cooperation is also the independent contract that BAE Systems has concluded with Tatra Defence Vehicle. This contract, estimated to be worth one billion kroner, involves the welding of steel hulls for BvS10 all-terrain vehicles to be supplied to the armed forces of Sweden, Germany and the UK.

The BvS10 is an off-road armoured vehicle designed for extreme conditions, which has proven itself in operations in the Arctic and mountainous regions. Its ability to transport troops and equipment in the harshest environments makes this vehicle a key element of modern expeditionary forces. Welding steel hulls for these vehicles is a technologically demanding process that requires precision manufacturing and the meeting strict quality standards. Tatra Defence Vehicle, as a long-term partner of the Czech Army, was able to win this contract thanks to its expertise and ability to meet these demanding requirements.

This contract not only strengthens Tatra Defence Vehicle's position on the international market, but also underlines the Czech industry's ability to supply components at the highest technological level for global defence programmes. The cooperation on the BvS10 project thus shows that Czech companies can successfully compete in global markets and play a key role in complex defence programmes.

This contract is not the only one resulting from the selection of a Swedish supplier of the new BMP for the Czech Armed Forces.Another example is Laser Centrum CZ, which supplies mechanical parts for Swedish variants of CV90 vehicles produced in cooperation with a Norwegian industrial partner.

The total value of these contracts for Czech companies outside the Czech programme already reaches several billion crowns, which underlines the strategic importance of cooperation for both sides. In this way, BAE Systems not only strengthens the Czech defence industry, but also integrates Czech companies into its global supply chain. Indeed, earlier, BAE Systems Hägglunds President Tommy Gustafsson-Rask stated that he sees orders for Czech companies in other BAE Systems programmes in the order of billions of crowns.

The involvement of Czech contractors in the CV90 MkIV contract and other BAE Systems programmes brings Czech companies not only economic opportunities, but also access to the latest technologies and know-how in military production. Czech industry, which has already won contracts worth more than CZK 12 billion under this cooperation, thus benefits from this strategic cooperation and has the potential for further growth.