BAE Systems Secures $500 Million Deal for Cutting-Edge Turret on Dutch CV90 Vehicles
BAE Systems has entered into a comprehensive mid-life enhancement agreement valued at over $500 million with the Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) for the Royal Netherlands Army’s collection of 122 CV90s, with an option to include an additional 19 units. The upgrade initiative featuring a new turret will significantly elevate the vehicle’s capabilities while furnishing crews with enhanced protection and ergonomics for improved combat efficiency.
The newly designed CV90 turret, developed by BAE Systems Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, marks a significant advancement in both design and functionality. The primary weapon placement has been altered to provide superior vehicle balance and facilitate the introduction of various armaments for heightened lethality. It also introduces considerable ergonomic enhancements aimed at benefiting the vehicle’s crew.
This refined turret concept builds on years of battle-hardened experience, constant vehicle upgrades, and data insights from the CV90 User Club, which comprises seven nations that currently operate CV90 fleets. The enhancements are also informed by a recent assessment conducted by the Royal Netherlands Army and a BAE Systems evaluation of cognitive load on Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) crews to enhance man-machine interaction. The outcome provides crews with distinct advantages, such as the ability to select intuitive and efficient operational modes while expediting the processes of detection, identification, decision-making, and engagement.
“This is a vital advancement to ensure our Infantry Fighting Vehicles and our Army remain prepared for many years ahead. This mid-life enhancement will also contribute to a reduction in the lifecycle costs of the vehicles, while simultaneously safeguarding our soldiers against emerging threats,” remarked Colonel Norbert Moerkens, the Royal Netherlands Army’s head of strategy and planning.
Work is currently in progress to equip the Dutch CV9035 vehicles with numerous enhanced features, including an Active Protection System (APS) and Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), in addition to a new Electro-Optic Aiming System (EOPS) that provides augmented situational awareness. The most recent upgrades also involve future-proofing the electronics by transitioning to a fourth generation digital backbone, complete with embedded, robust cybersecurity measures.
“We are dedicated to delivering the most advanced and versatile IFVs to satisfy our clients’ needs and are immensely proud of the technological advancements underway as part of this critical mid-life upgrade initiative,” stated Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. “We eagerly anticipate supporting our Dutch client in enhancing its combat effectiveness on future battlefields.”
Over 20 Dutch enterprises are participating in the supply chain for the mid-life enhancement program, providing mechanical and electrical components to BAE Systems Hägglunds and primary subsystem providers, which will bolster the Dutch defense industrial base for many years to come.
Currently, around 1,300 CV90s of various versions are in operation with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The vehicle boasts a combat-validated performance record and is engineered to enable future growth to satisfy shifting mission requirements.
