Home Europe Slovak MoD settles on CV90 as its preferred new tracked IFV

Slovak MoD settles on CV90 as its preferred new tracked IFV

CV90 on Slovak IFV trials
Photo: BAE Systems

The Slovak defense ministry revealed it has selected the BAE Systems-built CV90 as its preferred new tracked infantry fighting vehicle.

According to the findings of a feasibility study that was published by the ministry, three proposals have been down-selected, with the CV90 being the favorite.

Now that the defense ministry has identified the preferred bidder, the proposal will have to be approved by the government. The other two contenders shortlisted for the final stage of the country’s IFV modernization program include Germany’s Rheinmetall with its KF41 Lynx IFV and Spain’s GDELS Santa Bárbara Sistemas with the ASCOD design.

Slovakia intends to purchase more than 200 tracked IFVs as part of its vehicle modernization program. Earlier this year, it revealed the choice of Patria’s AMVXP 8×8 for the wheeled IFV variant. The initial contract is for 76 wheeled IFVs, but some 500 units are expected to be purchased eventually.

Both the tracked and wheeled variants will replace the Soviet-era BVP-1, BVP-2 and BVP M tracked combat vehicles currently in service.

BAE Systems teamed up with the Swedish defense procurement agency (FMV) to secure the Slovak bid. The team offered the MkIV variant of the CV90, as well as collaboration on future technology development. A financing solution in collaboration with state-owned Svensk Exportkredit export credit agency was also on the table.

Should the choice of CV90 be approved, Slovakia would be joining the armed forces of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark and Estonia, who already operate the vehicle.

“BAE Systems Hägglunds is proud that our CV90MkIV has been recommended by the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic as its preferred candidate for the procurement of IFV’s for the Slovak Army – to be delivered in close cooperation with Slovak industry,” the company said in response to the Slovak defense ministry’s decision.

Slovakia unveiled its choice after completing a series of trials with all the contenders at the Záhorie training area in western Slovakia earlier this month.

Slovak defense ministry photo of the IFV trials with the CV90 at the front