The imminent delivery of CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles to the Czech Army in 2026 is a landmark event resulting from recent collaborative efforts. The tripartite agreement, featuring the Czech Ministry of Defense, BAE Systems Hägglunds, and the Swedish government, underscores a commitment to excellence and cooperative endeavors.
A Strategic Alliance for
Infantry Fighting Vehicles
1. Legacy of Excellence:
BAE Systems Hägglunds
With a legacy spanning over six decades, BAE Systems Hägglunds has emerged as a specialist in combat vehicle production. President Tommy Gustaffson-Rask emphasizes the company's dedication to delivering top-tier infantry fighting vehicles and continuous product enhancement to meet evolving customer needs.
2. Landmark Contract:
$2.2 Billion for the Czech Military
On May 24, 2023, BAE Systems Hägglunds and the Czech military finalized a historic $2.2 billion contract. This agreement includes the acquisition of 246 CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicles in seven different variants. Notably, negotiations with Slovakia, also opting for the CV90 Mk IV, underscore the regional significance of this vehicle.
3. Industrial Partnership: Fostering Czech Sovereignty
The development and delivery of CV90s involve an industrial partnership with Czech industry, aligning with the Ministry of Defence's goal to maintain national sovereignty. Czech industrial partners will contribute 40% of the acquisition's value through development, production, and assembly contracts, fostering long-term economic benefits.
Progressing Toward Success:
The Joint Steering Committee
1. Diligent Monitoring and
Coordination
Chaired by Deputy Senior Director Filip Gantner, the joint steering committee plays a pivotal role in monitoring project milestones and ensuring seamless coordination between the client and manufacturer teams. This committee convenes twice a year, serving as a forum to anticipate challenges and foster collaboration essential for project success.
2. Comprehensive Discussions and Rigorous
Testing
The committee's inaugural meeting, attended by seven members, delved into comprehensive discussions covering planned vehicle tests, delivery schedules, industrial collaboration, and the formation of specialized project teams. Members also witnessed the CV90 in action under winter conditions, emphasizing the vehicle's adaptability.
Upholding Excellence: A
Focus on Quality and Operational Readiness
1. Meticulous Production
Oversight
Brigadier General Petr Mil?ický underscores the critical nature of meticulous production oversight, emphasizing its significance in averting deficiencies in the CV90 weapon system. Such vigilance is crucial to avoiding delays and ensuring the vehicle's complex capabilities meet stringent quality standards.
2. Integrated Logistics
Support
Major General Robert Bieleny emphasizes the importance of integrated logistics support, recognizing its pivotal role in ensuring the operational readiness of the CV90. This integrated approach is vital for sustaining the vehicle's capabilities in diverse operational scenarios.
3. Industry Involvement and
Continuous Evaluation
Ond?ej Vodi?ka from the MoD’s industrial cooperation section highlights the focus on industry involvement in equipment development, production, and lifecycle support, aligning with the state’s strategic security interests. As the project progresses, continuous evaluation and risk mitigation remain paramount.
Future Prospects and International
Collaboration
1. Collaboration with
Slovakia and Future Opportunities
The international dimension of the project is highlighted through collaboration with Slovakia in acquiring similar combat vehicles. The upcoming committee meeting in the Czech Republic aims to build upon progress made in Sweden, emphasizing the pivotal role of time management in meeting stringent production, testing, and development deadlines.
As the Czech Army prepares to receive CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles in 2026, the collaboration between the Czech Ministry of Defense, BAE Systems Hägglunds, and the Swedish government stands as a testament to strategic partnerships. The evolution of the CV90 platform reflects a commitment to technological advances and adapting to changing battlefield requirements, ensuring the Czech Republic's enhanced defense capabilities for years to come.
Tags:
Land Force