Dutch CV90 upgrade passes milestone
The first-of-type upgraded CV9035NL IFV, pictured at BAE Systems Hägglunds' Örnsköldsvik facility. (Photo: Dutch MoD)
BAE Systems Hägglunds has rolled out the first upgraded CV90 IFV for the Royal Netherlands Army at its Örnsköldsvik facility.
A total of 122 CV9035NL vehicles are undergoing an MLU with an option for 19 more under a $500 million contract announced in January 2021. The first four are being upgraded in Sweden before Netherlands-based Van Halteren Metaal begins series production, which is expected in late 2023.
‘The project should be completed by the end of 2026,’ the Dutch MoD noted in a 26 September statement.
The CV9035NL MLU focuses on improved protection and better ergonomics with features such as the Iron Fist active protection system from Elbit Systems, the Saab UTAAS day/night thermal sight and a relocated cannon in a new-look D-series turret from BAE Systems Hägglunds.
The MoD added: ‘The MLU is needed to keep the vehicle operationally relevant until the end of its service life in 2039. The security situation has changed dramatically in recent years, and potential enemies have become significantly stronger.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system
Developed by a Thales UK-led industry consortium, the demonstrator has been designed to explore the potential of radiofrequency weapons for the UK Armed Forces and is being trialled by the British Army.
-
US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco
The 600-missiles will be used to expand the Moroccan armed forces’ short range air defence capabilities.
-
Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland
The joint venture between Hanwha Aerospace and Poland’s WB Group will see them locally produce CGR80 missiles for the Homar-K multiple rocket launch system, with the first batch produced by 2028.
-
BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production
The M777 155mm lightweight howitzer is in service with more than six countries and has been heavily used in Ukraine. The latest contract is part of an effort to restart the manufacture of M777 towed howitzers.