IDET 2023: Czech Republic awards BAE Systems CV90 contract

The Czech Republic has awarded BAE Systems a contract for 246 CV90 IFVs. (BAE Systems Hägglunds)

The Czech Republic has awarded BAE Systems a CZK49.3 billion (USD2.2 billion) contract for 246 CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The contract was announced at the end of the first day of the International Defence and Security Technology Fair (IDET) 2023 being held in Brno, Czech Republic, from 24 to 26 May.

The Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a press release on 24 May that the order also includes 29 workshop vehicles, training, spare parts, and other accessories. A BAE Systems Hägglunds spokesperson told Janesat IDET that deliveries would begin with 10 vehicles starting in 2026 and run until 2030.

The contract was signed by the Czech MoD, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets materielverk: FMV), and BAE Systems Hägglunds. The Czech Republic and Sweden represented by the FMV also signed an intergovernmental agreement including support during the delivery phase, sharing experience, and co-operating on training, use, operation, and the continued development of the CV90. The Czech Republic joined the CV90 user group, whose other members are Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland. “When several countries use and develop a system together, it provides great advantages for all users, such as increased ability, increased availability, increased opportunities for operational co-operation, and all at lower costs,” Joakim Wallin, head of FMV export operations, said.