BAE Systems Hägglunds has handed over the first newly-upgraded CV9035 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) to the Royal Netherlands Army.
The first of 122 CV90s that will undergo a major upgrade and which will serve as a test version for series production was rolled out of BAE Systems Hägglunds’ factory in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden on 26 September.
The mid-life upgrade (MLU) will keep the vehicles operationally relevant until the end of their service life in 2039.
The upgraded IFVs will gain more firepower and better protection against any enemy anti-tank missiles.
“This rollout is an important step in the mid-life update of the infantry fighting vehicles for the Royal Netherlands Army,” said Vice Admiral Arie Jan de Waard, the National Armaments Director and director of the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO).
“The upgrade of the CV90 results in a state-of-the-art infantry fighting vehicle which provides more protection, a new turret, greater firepower and a new IT infrastructure. The vehicle enhances crew operational effectiveness when facing new threats and keeping our infantry safe at the same time. It is a powerful combination of man and machine. The 122 upgraded Dutch CV90s will be futureproof,” he added.
Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90)
| Type: | Infantry fighting vehicle |
| Country of origin: | Sweden |
| Designer: | Hägglunds/Bofors |
| Manufacturer: | BAE Systems AB |
| Produced: | 1993 – present |
| In service: | 1993 – present |
| Operators: | Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland |
| Weight: | 23–37 tonnes |
| Length: | 6.55 m |
| Width: | 3.1 m |
| Height: | 2.7 m |
| Crew: | 3 (commander, gunner, driver) + 8 passengers |
| Main armament: | 40mm Bofors L/70 autocannon; 35mm/50 Bushmaster autocannon; 30mm Bushmaster autocannon |
| Secondary armament: | 7.62 mm Ksp m/39 machine gun; 6 × 76 mm grenade launchers |
| Engine: | Scania DS14 14 litres diesel I6; DC16 16 litres diesel V8 engine 550–1000 hp (410–745 kW) 3,055 Nm max |
| Range: | 320 km (200 mi) + |
| Speed: | 70 km/h (43 mph) + |
