A three-day presentation of the CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) was recently held in Přáslavice, near the 7th Mechanized Brigade, by the CV90 manufacturer, the Swedish company BAE Systems Hägglunds, as part of a project to acquire new IFVs for the Czech Armed Forces.

Video: Presentation of the CV90 vehicle to members of the 7th Mechanised Brigade / CZ DEFENCE

The Swedish manufacturer secured a contract last May to produce 246 units of the CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) for the Czech Army in seven different variants. The first vehicles are expected to be delivered in 2026. This will make the Czech Republic part of the existing group of users, which includes Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Estonia, and Switzerland. The CV90 has also proven its effectiveness on the battlefield in Ukraine, where it is currently in use by the Ukrainian armed forces. The production schedule for the CV90 vehicles for the Czech Army is progressing well, as Czech specialists and future operators have confirmed during their visits to BAE Systems Hägglunds in Sweden.

 

Future operators from the 7th Mechanized Brigade had the opportunity in Přáslavice to closely examine the CV90 and familiarize themselves with its capabilities, including practical applications in various combat and tactical scenarios. Alongside a comprehensive presentation from an experienced Swedish instructor, CV90 platform director Tarkan Turkcan was available throughout the event to answer questions from members of the 7th Mechanized Brigade.

In addition to other representatives from BAE Systems Hägglunds, the company's president, Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, attended the event. He provided insights into Czech-Swedish industrial cooperation related to the CV90 and highlighted the benefits of joining the CV90 user community, which now includes the Czech Republic. In our discussion, we also touched on the potential to apply experiences from the Ukrainian battlefield in conjunction with the CV90’s capabilities.

The main goal of the presentation was not only to showcase the technical and combat capabilities of the CV90 to members of the 7th Mechanized Brigade but also to encourage them to think about how the system can be effectively integrated into current military operations. Emphasis was placed on thoroughly understanding the system, its advantages, and tactical uses in various situations.

Besides general information about the CV90, soldiers had the opportunity to personally explore the vehicle's various crew stations and control elements, including the commander, driver, and gunner positions.

Throughout the event, the Swedish organizers gathered feedback from our soldiers, which was overwhelmingly positive. According to Brigadier General Zdeněk Mikula, commander of the 7th Mechanized Brigade, "The event was highly successful. The soldiers now have a clearer understanding of what lies ahead and are beginning to think about how they can use the CV90 in the future."

Members of the 7th Mechanized Brigade appreciated not only the vehicle's advanced technical features but also the opportunity to gain deeper insight into the tactical possibilities the CV90 offers. "It was an excellent idea to motivate our units and provide them with the necessary information about the new vehicles they will be equipped with in the future," said Colonel Miroslav Vybíhal, a representative of the 7th Mechanized Brigade.

The CV90 is one of the most advanced and well-equipped infantry fighting vehicles in the world. Its key strengths include modularity, advanced weapon systems, superior crew protection, and high mobility across diverse terrains. BAE Systems Hägglunds continues to develop the CV90 to ensure it can meet new battlefield threats and provide soldiers with maximum support in critical situations

The three-day presentation of the CV90 at the 7th Mechanized Brigade confirmed that this tracked infantry fighting vehicle is a strategic asset for modern armies. The event also boosted the motivation of the soldiers—future users of the CV90—who are already preparing for new tasks and operations with this advanced system.