The Royal Netherlands Army’s first modernized CV90 infantry fighting vehicle rolled out of the factory today. This happened in Örnsköldsvik in Sweden at manufacturer BAE Systems Hägglunds. This is the so-called ‘first of type’. Series production, which is expected to start at the end of 2023, is based on this test version. A total of 122 CV90s are undergoing a major modernization, a so-called midlife update (MLU).
The MLU is needed to keep the vehicle operationally relevant until the end of its life in 2039. The security situation has changed dramatically in recent years and potential enemies have become significantly stronger. The upgrade greatly increases the capabilities of the armored infantry vehicle. Various tests will follow with this first vehicle in the coming period to see whether it meets all the requirements. The project will be completed by the end of 2026.
Improvements
The updated vehicles will have more firepower and better protection of the infantry against possible enemy anti-tank missiles. The latter thanks to an active protection system for incoming projectiles that gets a large part of the vehicles. Other major improvements are the new turret and the relocation of the cannon. This gives the crew more room to move and improves ergonomics in general. The IT systems are also being overhauled. All this increases combat efficiency.
The changes are appreciated by the future crew of the vehicle: “It is definitely a big improvement over the current CV90. More user-friendly and it gives us more protection. There is more space inside and the cameras allow us to do our work in more weather conditions. I look forward to working with this new material.”
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