BAE Systems has delivered the first CV9035 MkIV combat vehicle to the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic. This is a major milestone in one of the biggest modernization programs in the history of the Slovakian defense industry. The ceremony was held at the BAE Systems Hägglunds facility in Sweden, with top officials from the Slovak Ministry of Defence in attendance.
The Slovakian version of the CV9035 MkIV is equipped with a 35mm Bushmaster III gun, an advanced fire control system, and a digital architecture. The defensive capabilities include an active protection system and an advanced anti-tank guided missile system. The vehicle also has enhanced ballistic and mine protection, a 1,000 horsepower engine, and design elements that support future upgrades of sensors and weapons.
“We are proud to see the Slovak CV90 programme progressing as planned, with effective industrial cooperation at its core,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, Managing Director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. “Slovakia has joined the family of nations operating the CV90, a combat-proven platform serving multiple European armies.”
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The contract includes the production and delivery of 152 vehicles, with a significant industrial contribution from Slovak partners that account for more than 40 percent of the contract’s total value. The expanding supply chain encompasses nearly 30 Slovak companies, reinforcing local industry capacity, strengthening supply chain security, and creating job opportunities across the region.
The CV9035 MkIV, which is the latest variant of the successful Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) family of vehicles, has started rolling out of the production line in the second half of 2025 and is currently undergoing rigorous testing in Sweden before it is delivered to Slovakia. This is a significant development for the Slovakian CV90 fleet, which will be supplied to the country through a government-to-government sale from Sweden and will be a significant boost to the country’s mechanized combat capabilities.
The CV90 is already in use with a number of European nations and represents one of the most widely employed infantry fighting vehicles on the continent, taking advantage of the lessons learned and the common user base that can share best practices. Being a member of the CV90 User Club assists in the development of future improvements.