As part of the agreement between Sweden and the Slovak Republic, the Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic signed an agreement worth $1.37 billion (€1.3 billion) with BAE Systems for the supply of 152 CV9035 infantry fighting vehicles (IFV).

Within the scope of the agreement, 122 of the 152 vehicles will be delivered in the IFV variant. Twelve ACVs (Armored Combat Vehicles) will be produced in a new configuration for the Anti-Material Rifles and Grenade Launcher Team. The remaining vehicles include Command and Control, Reconnaissance and Engineer as well as Rescue variants aimed at providing specialist combat logistics support. The contract also covers training and education systems as well as tactical simulators.

Among the CV90 users are seven countries, four of which are NATO members. These countries are: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands. The Slovak Republic joined CV90 users as the 8th member.

The Slovak Army will receive a new variant of the CV9035, known as the CV90MkIV, with advanced capabilities and digital technology. BAE Systems will integrate Slovak CV90s with a cutting-edge D-series turret with a 35mm gun. The turret extends the CV9035’s battlefield capabilities by providing the CV9035 crew with enhanced protection and enhanced combat efficiency through next-generation sensors, artificial intelligence and augmented reality software.

“I am excited about another major modernization project for our ground forces. With these vehicles we are fulfilling our commitment to build a heavy mechanized brigade a few years ago. I look forward to working closely with our partners, who are already using Swedish vehicles” said Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad.

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said: “Cooperation between Sweden and Slovakia will further strengthen relations between the two countries. CV90 has been the backbone of the Swedish Armed Forces for decades. Sweden now includes Slovakia, its leading infantry fighting vehicle CV90, also a keystone for the Slovak Army. It looks forward to supporting it in offering it as a capability.”

“We are determined to deliver an infantry fighting vehicle that meets the present and future requirements of the Slovak Army,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, Managing Director of BAE Systems Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, which designed and manufactured the CV90. And he added: ”We are honored to be a part of this together with an and our Slovak industry partners. We look forward to collaborating with Slovakia and are building on a proven industrial collaboration approach to deliver these vehicles.”