FFF 2026 –First Czech Army BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90 MkIV on show

At Future Forces Forum 2026 in Prague BAE Systems Hägglunds was exhibiting its first CV90 Mk IV infantry fighting vehicle for the Czech Army in the outside exhibition area. This latest fifth-generation variant features a newly optimized D-series digital turret, integration for advanced Remote Weapon Systems (RWS), and enhanced active survivability systems designed specifically for Czech operational environments

BAE Systems explained at the Future Forces Forum that by joining the CV90 User Club, Czech forces also gain shared training, logistical, and upgrade resources alongside other European operators on NATO’s eastern flank.

The Czech Army ordered 246 CV90 MKIVs in a $ 2.2 billion land modernisation initiative on May 24, 2023, to replace its ageing Soviet-era BMP-2 vehicles. This major acquisition and industrial cooperation programme is in partnership with local defence firms like VOP CZ.

There are seven different variants available. The 141 units of infantry fighting vehicle (as seen on show) are equipped with the manned D-Series turret featuring a 30 mm Bushmaster II autocannon, and are operated by a three-man crew with a full squad of six dismounted infantry soldiers. The command and control (C2) vehicle is a mobile battlefield command post for battalion and company commanders; the reconnaissance vehicle for frontline scouting, target acquisition and electronic battlefield surveillance. The combat engineer vehicle is for obstacle clearing, route clearance and mobility support. The artillery observation version provides forward fire support co-ordination and precision laser targeting. There is also a medical evacuation vehicle and finally a recovery and rescue vehicle for heavy battlefield repair, towing and maintenance support.

The one on display was one of 20 being built in Sweden, and this example the author was told is being used for the qualification of the vehicle. The remaining 205 are being built in Czech Republic.

In July 2026, the state-owned enterprise VOP CZ officially launched full-scale vehicle assembly at its Šenov plant after receiving the first hulls and key technology transfers from Sweden. Once the assembly lines reach full scale, VOP CZ expects an output of approximately 10 vehicles per month through the assembly of 200+ localized hulls. The broader industry network integrates a network of over 30 domestic Czech defence suppliers and academic institutions like the Czech Technical University (CVUT).

First deliveries are expected to commence by the end of 2027, coming four years after the contract was announced and two years after the first one was rolled out in August 2025.

The CV90 infantry fighting vehicle is currently operated, ordered or used by ten nations: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Estonia, Ukraine, Slovakia, and Czech Republic.

Photo by A. Warnes