Czech Republic opts for the CV90

Unconventional decision in unconventional times: The Czechs initiate negotiations with the Swedish government after the tender for the procurement of a new fleet of infantry fighting vehicles was canceled in November last year. The CV90 was one of the applicants in this competition. The Czech Ministry of Defense stated that the tender was canceled after two of the three bidders refused to accept new conditions, citing that the old conditions made it impossible to compare the bidders. The Rheinmetall Lynx KF41 and the GDELS Ascod 2 were eliminated.

"Today is a decisive day for the future of our defense procurement," said Defense Minister Jana Černochová. "The government has not only decided to cancel the tender for new infantry fighting vehicles, but has also authorized me to negotiate with the government of the Kingdom of Sweden for the procurement of Swedish CV90 combat vehicles." Without a tender.

The Ministry of Defense refers to the desired vehicle as an "established and combat-proven platform" and now intends to proceed with the purchase of the CV90. 7 of 15 variant options are available: in addition to the infantry fighting vehicle, there are also command vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles, engineer and medical versions, artillery observers, and recovery vehicles.

The CV90 MkIV version offers: D-Series D30 turret - Mast-mounted COAPS panoramic sight - Iron Fist APS - Spike LR ATGM - New powertrain with Scania DP16l and Allison 3040MX - Soucy composite rubber tracks - Improved cooling system.

"Slovak Republic has also chosen the CV90, we will coordinate our negotiations with Slovakia," Minister Černochová explains and emphasizes that cooperation with Slovakia would enable further savings for the Czech Republic in procurement.

The country intends to purchase a total of 210 new vehicles to replace the BVP infantry fighting vehicles from the Soviet era and complement the Pandur II vehicles built in Austria currently in service. Up to 2.4 billion USD is allocated for the purchase. HERE for more information on the CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicle.

BAE Systems online

More CV90 on SPARTANAT:

- CV90MKIV - The Combat Infantry Fighting Vehicle (VIDEO)

- Czechs Halt Infantry Fighting Vehicle Procurement