The Slovak Republic today signed a €1.3 billion intergovernmental contract with Sweden for the delivery of 152 CV9035 infantry fighting vehicles to the Slovak Armed Forces. The CV90s will be produced and delivered in several configurations, with the full cooperation of Slovak industry, including ZTS – SPECIAL as BAE Systems' main industrial partner. Other Slovak state and private companies will take on key roles in vehicle production and long-term support of the programme.

The Slovak Army will receive the latest version of the CV90, known as the CV90 MkIV, with the latest advanced capabilities and digital technology. The vehicle combines improved speed and handling on the battlefield with an enhanced electronic architecture to meet the needs of the evolving battlefield.

Picture: Slovakia and Sweden sign intergovernmental agreement on acquisition of tracked armoured combat vehicles | Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic

The Slovakian CV90s will be equipped with a new state-of-the-art D-Series turret with a 35mm cannon that provides CV9035 crews with enhanced protection and amplified combat effectiveness through the latest generation of sensors, artificial intelligence and augmented reality software, increasing the CV9035s capabilities in multiple battlefield situations. The Slovak CV9035 will also be equipped with the "Iron Fist" Active Protection System (APS) from Israel's Elbit Systems and the SPIKE-LR integrated advanced anti-tank guided missile from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

122 of the 152 vehicles will be delivered in the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) variant, while 12 vehicles will be produced in a new configuration for heavy sniper and grenade launcher platoons. The remaining vehicles will be in command, reconnaissance and engineer and recovery versions. These versions will be aimed at providing specialized combat logistics support. The contract also includes training and education systems as well as tactical simulators.

"I am delighted with another major modernisation project for our ground forces. With these vehicles we are fulfilling our commitment made several years ago - to build a heavy mechanized brigade. I look forward to working closely with our partners who are already using Swedish vehicles," said Minister of Defence Jaroslav Naď.

Picture: Presentation of different versions and variants of CV90 vehicles at BAE Systems Hägglunds test range | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

"The Swedish CV90 IFV meets the criteria of the Slovak Armed Forces. Today we have intensified cooperation not only between our armed forces but also between our countries. I am glad that the modernisation of the Slovak Armed Forces is progressing rapidly. In the last two years, the pace of modernisation of our army has reached a level that has not been seen in the last decade," added Marian Majer, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic.

"The cooperation between Sweden and Slovakia has strengthened the relationship between the nations. CV90 has been the backbone of the Swedish Armed Forces for decades," said Pål Jonson, Minister of Defence of Sweden. "Sweden now looks forward to supporting Slovakia in introducing the CV90, the leading infantry fighting vehicle, as a key capability for the Slovak Army as well."

"We are committed to delivering an infantry fighting vehicle that will meet the Slovak Army's requirements now and in the future," said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, CEO of BAE Systems Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, which designs and manufactures the CV90 vehicles. "This is an important moment in our nations' relationship and we are honoured to be part of it together with our Slovakian industrial partners. We look forward to working with Slovakia. We are building on our proven approach of industrial cooperation to deliver these vehicles," Gustafsson-Rask added.

The contract will provide Slovak industry with a significant opportunity to invest in its skills and capabilities for many years to come. Strategic collaboration with local suppliers enables them to play an important role during the production and life cycle of the CV9035 and all its variants.

The Slovak Republic joins the CV90 Users Club as its eighth member. The organisation has so far consisted of seven countries, four of which are NATO members: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

CV90 vehicles for the Czech Army

The Czech Republic is also interested in Swedish CV90 MkIV vehicles. The purchase of the tracked IFVs through a direct approach to the Swedish government was approved by the cabinet at its meeting on 20 July 2022. Market consultations with the Swedish and Slovak sides began in early September and concern mainly the issues of licensing and sub-licensing policy, the method of financing the project, technical parameters, life cycle costs, service and industrial cooperation programme and the structure of future contracts.

Picture: Czech Republic interested in Swedish CV90 MkIV vehicles | BAE Systems

In accordance with the decision of the Government of the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic has already sent the Swedish Government an invitation to submit a tender and the contract is expected to be signed in the first half of next year at the latest. The next step will be to tender for a forensic expert.

BAE Systems is also continuing negotiations with representatives of the Czech defence industry to reach and exceed the 40% industrial cooperation level as part of the programme to deliver new CV90 advanced infantry fighting vehicles to the Czech Republic.