Sweden and Denmark Contract CV90 IFVs, Allocate 40 for Ukraine

6 December, 2024 CV9035 Mk.IIIC infantry fighting vehicle. Photo credits: Netherlands Armed Forces Sweden and Denmark have jointly contracted the production of more than 200 CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, 40 of which are intended for Ukraine.

The news was published by the Swedish government on its website. The Swedish Defense Logistics Agency and the Danish Defense Ministry's Procurement and Logistics Organization have signed a contract with BAE Systems Hagglunds for the joint purchase of 205 CV9035 Mk.IIIC combat vehicles worth £2.3 billion. The contract provides for 115 units to be delivered to Denmark and 50 units to Sweden to replace CV9040 IFVs that were transferred to Ukraine from the Swedish Armed Forces' stockpile.

The remaining 40 vehicles are intended for Ukraine. Their production was funded by previously allocated financial assistance from Denmark and Sweden. In addition to the combat vehicles themselves, the contract provides for technical support, including spare parts, logistics and training.

Training of Ukrainian military on CV90 infantry fighting vehicles in Sweden, 2023.

Photo credits: Forsvarsmakten

CV9035 Mk.IIIC

The CV9035 Mk.IIIC is the latest version of the CV90 combat vehicle, developed in 2023 according to the Dutch modernization standards for the CV9035NL MLU. The new IFV is based on the third-generation CV90 chassis and is equipped with a new D35 turret, which was developed for the next generation of vehicles. It is equipped with a 35-mm Bushmaster III automatic cannon and is designed according to a new design based on the experience of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The main features of the D35 are the integration of a new fire control system with artificial intelligence elements, as well as separate optical devices for the gunner and commander. The latter received a stabilized COAPS-L mast optoelectronic system. In addition, the turret is equipped with the Spike-LR2 anti-tank missile system with guides for two missiles, as well as the Iron Fist active defense system.

However, their export requires permission from the Israeli government, so their appearance in Ukrainian vehicles seems doubtful.

In other respects, such as maneuverability and ballistic protection, the vehicle retains the basic parameters of the CV90 Mk.III.

CV9035 Mk.IIIC infantry fighting vehicle.

Photo credits: Netherlands Armed Forces

In June 2024, the Netherlands also invested EUR400 million in a Swedish fund to ensure the production of CV90 IFVs for Ukraine.