The first CV90 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) built for the Czech Army has rolled off the production line in Sweden.
Representatives of BAE Systems Hägglunds formally presented the vehicle in Örnsköldsvik to Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová and Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson.
The Czech acquisition of the CV9030CZ Mk.IV, widely used by NATO allies, replaces aging Soviet-era equipment and is intended to strengthen both national defense and alliance commitments.
“Today is proof that we are not only talking about modernizing the Army but working hard to make it happen,” Černochová said during the unveiling. “This is an important moment for the security of the Czech Republic. Behind the CV90 project stand months of negotiations, hundreds of people, and thousands of hours of work. I am convinced that thanks to this joint effort, Czech soldiers will receive the best that European defense industry offers.”
The Czech government authorized negotiations for the purchase in 2022, and the contract was signed the following year. Production of the first batch began in Sweden, where 39 vehicles will be manufactured. Several of these will undergo testing before full deliveries begin.
According to the plan, 207 additional vehicles will be assembled in the Czech Republic by the state-owned enterprise VOP CZ. The first vehicles are expected to arrive in 2026, with the bulk of deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2030.
Černochová noted that the agreement resolved years of delays accumulated under previous administrations.
Defense officials emphasized that the project not only strengthens military capability but also expands opportunities for the Czech defense industry. Swedish representatives confirmed that local industry will contribute at least 40 percent of the total contract value.
More than 20 Czech companies are expected to participate, including VOP CZ, Excalibur Army, VR Group, Ray Service, and Meopta. Their representatives attended the unveiling, where the first CV90 in Czech colors was presented.
VOP CZ will have a central role, handling assembly, painting, and final testing of over 200 vehicles. The company is also tasked with developing specialized versions, including a medical evacuation variant and an artillery observation platform.
The CV90s will equip battalions of the Czech Army’s 7th Mechanized Brigade. The acquisition is tied to NATO’s Capability Targets 2025, which require member states to expand and modernize ground combat capacity.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the CV90 combines mobility, firepower, and protection proven in combat.
“It is a battle-tested vehicle that benefits from lessons drawn from real-world deployments,” Černochová said. “It fully meets the requirements soldiers set for a tracked infantry fighting vehicle.”
The CV90 family has been adopted by several allied forces, giving the Czech Army access to shared experience in training and operations.
The Czech Ministry of Defense views the project as one of its largest modernization efforts. With deliveries scheduled through the end of the decade, the program will provide thousands of domestic jobs and expand the country’s role in European defense manufacturing.
By integrating both Czech and Swedish expertise, the CV90 program is expected to enhance interoperability within NATO and ensure that Prague’s ground forces remain equipped for the challenges of modern conflict.
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