BAE Teams Up With Slovakia’s Koval Systems for Next-Gen CV90 Manufacturing Expansion
BAE Systems and KOVAL SYSTEMS a.s have finalized a contract to facilitate the production of next-generation infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), the CV90MkIV, for the Slovak Armed Forces.
The Slovak enterprise KOVAL SYSTEMS a.s has secured a contract from BAE Systems Hägglunds, the manufacturer of the CV90 series of vehicles, for the entire turret assembly of the CV90s within the Slovak initiative. KOVAL SYSTEMS will also fabricate mechanical components for the turret. Collectively, the two firms have consented to produce around 80 components at the Belusa facility, with additional quantities anticipated. KOVAL SYSTEMS will manufacture initial components for the turret, with preliminary evaluations scheduled in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden in 2023.
“In collaboration with our Slovak allies, we are dedicated to providing an infantry fighting vehicle outfitted with state-of-the-art capabilities and digital solutions for the Slovak Armed Forces. The CV90 is a premium and highly successful vehicle in the sector, having demonstrated its effectiveness amid combat scenarios,” stated Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden.
“We are confident that this initiative will enhance the Slovak Army and signify success for BAE Systems Hägglunds, KOVAL SYSTEMS, and our comprehensive network of Slovak providers. These crucial new strategic alliances will significantly bolster Slovak industry in the long run,” remarked Ján Michálek, the Business Director of KOVAL SYSTEMS in Beluša, Slovakia.
The CV90 industrial collaboration program in Slovakia continues to advance. This agreement with KOVAL Systems is among several that will be established as the CV90’s framework of local Slovak industrial partners becomes finalized. Besides KOVAL SYSTEMS, ZTS-Special has been appointed as the complete vehicle assembler for the project, signing a contract with BAE Systems Hägglunds in December 2022.
Additional participants within the industrial framework include Ray Service s.r.o. for the development and manufacturing of electrical components and sub-systems; and Aliter Technologies a.s., whose role in the command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) sector is being coordinated with BAE Systems Hägglunds.
BAE Systems’ proven industrial cooperation program is founded on local partners playing a vital and strategic role in the development, manufacturing, training, and support of the CV90 and its diverse variants. In Slovakia, this enhances industrial capacity and bolsters the security of supply chains for the Armed Forces. The expanding network of industrial partners throughout Slovakia will guarantee that local industry assumes a crucial position in the servicing, maintenance, and future evolution of CV90s.
The Slovak Army is set to receive the latest version of the CV9035, identified as the CV90 MkIV, which incorporates cutting-edge capabilities and digital technologies to address the demands of the modern battlefield.
