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CV90 MkIV: Proven reliable partner for the defence of the Czech Republic

The main partner of the NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days, BAE Systems, will once again take part in the event, presenting the new acquisition of the Czech Army - the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle.

The CV90 is an infantry fighting vehicle with a history of successful missions around the world, including UN and NATO-led coalition operations. This vehicle is characterised by its high strategic and tactical mobility and its ability to effectively engage both aerial and armoured targets. In addition, it provides the crew with a high level of survivability and protection in any terrain and tactical environment. Weighing up to 38 tonnes, the CV90 is unrivalled in its class in terms of performance.

This vehicle is recognized as one of the best and most combat-proven infantry fighting vehicles currently in the armament of NATO member states. The manufacturer, BAE Systems, has so far delivered more than 1 300 vehicles in 17 modifications to 7 European countries, four of which are NATO members. Recently, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have also become users of this vehicle. The MkIV version represents the latest generation of this proven vehicle and is one of the most advanced vehicles of its kind on the market. For the Czech Army, whose main task is to defend the country's territory from external attacks, it is important that this is a combat-proven platform.

Russia's aggression against Ukraine brings a new perspective on the armaments of European armies. In contrast to the model focused on expeditionary capabilities, the defence of territory is once again a priority. Infantry fighting vehicles have and will continue to play a crucial role in this. Current experience indicates the main advantages of this platform for this kind of fighting: they are better protected and more manoeuvrable, and can hit even enemy tanks. The CV90 MkIV BVP, is well suited for current and future battlefield requirements where strategic and tactical mobility combined with impressive lethality is key. Maneuverability, the ability to protect crew and airborne troops, as well as the ability to engage enemy tanks are essential characteristics for armoured vehicles. Combined with the ability to operate in a variety of configurations, they are among the most critical capabilities for today's militaries. Furthermore, having these capabilities on a single platform greatly facilitates logistics in complex combat operations.

The CV90 is a modular platform that has been designed as a family of vehicles with now 17 different variants. The basic chassis architecture allows for the construction of different purpose-built versions on the same base, ensuring a high level of fleet homogeneity. This means that all modifications required by the Czech Republic will be delivered with a high level of vehicle commonality. All seven required versions share 85 % of the components in the BVP programme under review and up to 95 % of those components that require regular replacement due to operational wear and tear. This significantly reduces the future life cycle cost of the vehicle. With the CV90 MkIV, the Czech Army will gain a high-end and highly effective infantry fighting vehicle that outperforms the competition in key areas such as tactical and strategic mobility, firepower, survivability and the potential for future technological developments. This means that the Czech Republic will be able to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the future that might arise from the ever-advancing upgrades required to keep pace with enemies.

The CV90 MkIV offers Czech soldiers world-class protection thanks to proven solutions that meet NATO standards. A solution that exceeds STANAG 4569 level 6 protection standards is available, as well as mine protection and IED protection exceeding STANAG 4569 4A/4B standards. In addition, the CV90 is the first BVP on the market to offer a proven active protection system, which is currently integrated into the Royal Netherlands Army's CV9035 MkIII vehicles. The fleet is also equipped with the MkIV turret. The CV90 MkIV achieves the highest standards of survivability in its weight class and offers more than 10% load margin for further growth. The vehicle's low weight is achieved through a highly efficient design that reduces the CV90's external dimensions while maintaining internal volume. It also has a lower profile compared to competitors, making it up to 25% smaller target, reducing detectability and targetability and improving mobility and logistics.

The design of the CV90 MkIV is smaller and its combat weight is 5-10 tonnes lower than its competitors with similar levels of protection. The CV90 MkIV is also the most advantageous option for meeting operational and strategic requirements for road, rail and air transport. The latest generation CV90 MkIV crew turret design incorporates the latest sensor technologies and improved ergonomics for the crew. Extremely precise weapon integration has proven its worth, and the vehicle's firepower has also been increased thanks to a larger ammunition magazine for the main weapon. The turret has improved ergonomics for the gunner and commander's position, the latest generation of targeting sensors for the commander and gunner, and a 360° vehicle surroundings tracking system that increases situational awareness. The CV90 MkIV also sets a new standard in performance with a new engine of up to 1,000 HP, as well as rubber tracks and active wheel suspension. This solution increases the vehicle's speed and ability to traverse rough terrain, as well as significantly reducing noise and vibration. This greater crew comfort improves crew survivability in combat and increases the overall performance and durability of the installed electronics, sensors and improves the accuracy of the weapon systems. The maximum weight has been increased to 38 tons and the design goal is to reach 40 tons.

The CV90 is one of the world's top vehicles in terms of durability and soldier safety. It offers a flexible and modular solution for combat mission requirements. The vehicle platform uses a modular armour system. This protects the crew from heavy weapons including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and anti-tank mines. The CV90 also protects soldiers from weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear - CBRN) through an integrated protection against WMD and filtration system.

In terms of tactical mobility in all types of terrain, the CV90 MkIV leads the world over other models in terms of overcoming vertical obstacles, crossing ditches, range and general ability to traverse very difficult terrain such as swamps and deep snow. Operation is provided by a highly reliable and fuel-efficient eight-cylinder diesel engine with cylinders arranged in a V. This allows it to make rapid movements over difficult terrain and to carry out long-distance reconnaissance tasks. The range of the most modern versions is up to 900 kilometres on the road. Among the CV90 MkIV's key competitive mobility advantages is its unique active suspension. The CV90's advantages include a higher chance of a hit while making it easier for the gunner to locate targets, an overall longer service life for the vehicle and its subsystems, higher speeds over any terrain, and less fatigue for the crew and transported squad.

A total of 17 CV90 variants were deployed and nine more, including the CV90120 medium tank, were developed for pre-production or production. With seven users, more than 10,500,000 miles and 70,000 days of combat operations, the cost of operating the CV90 is well understood. This reduces risks and potential surprises in the support and maintenance phase. This knowledge, including a comprehensive intellectual property package, is part of the package for the Czech Republic. This ensures low operating costs and the ability to provide various sophisticated support solutions. Thanks to constant user feedback, the development of CV90 has been ongoing continuously for the last 20 years. The result is a new generation of vehicle every six years. The latest programme delivered to the Norwegian Army and the upgrading of the Swiss and Dutch CV90s means unique engineering solutions when introducing new technologies.

See you at
23^rd NATO Days in Ostrava & 14^th Czech Air Force Days!