BAE Systems Delivers First CV90 Combat Support Vehicles to Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency

The first four BAE System CV90 combat support vehicles were delivered to the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency during a ceremony hosted by local partner Ritek AS in Levanger, Norway. The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency awarded the more than $50 million contract that will increase the Army’s fleet to 164 vehicles as part of its effort to grow and modernize in the face of evolving threats. Norway is one of seven CV90 users and is the latest customer to enhance its fleet of combat-proven CV90s following significant life extension and mid-life upgrade contracts from Switzerland and the Netherlands. The new Norwegian order for 12 engineering and eight multi-carrier CV90 variants is scheduled for delivery in 2023.

BAE Systems Hägglunds, the manufacturer of the CV90 based in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, will deliver the new vehicles in cooperation with Ritek, an established Norwegian CV90 partner. With Ritek at the center of the local industrial cooperation hub, up to 30 potential Norwegian suppliers will be responsible for upgrading and repairing components, as well as delivering new subsystems and technology solutions as part of future upgrades for the Norwegian CV90 fleet. BAE Systems has a successful history of industrial cooperation projects in Norway that have strengthened industry partnerships, and exceeded customer expectations and requirements. During the latest CV90 procurement and upgrade contract, BAE Systems Hägglunds delivered 100 percent offset obligation five years ahead of schedule.

The Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90; Sw. Stridsfordon 90, Strf90) is a family of Swedish tracked combat vehicles designed by Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets Materielverk, FMV), Hägglunds and Bofors during the mid-1980s to early 1990s, entering service in Sweden in the mid-1990s. The CV90 platform design has continuously evolved in steps from Mk0 to current MkIV with advances in technology and in response to changing battlefield requirements. The Swedish version of the main infantry fighting vehicle is fitted with a turret from Bofors that is equipped with a 40 mm Bofors autocannon. Export versions are fitted with Hägglunds E-series turrets, armed with either a 30 mm Mk44 or a 35 mm Bushmaster autocannon.

104 CV9030Ns were purchased in 1994. 17 of these were later upgraded with air-conditioning, additional mine protection, and rear-view cameras, and were designated CV9030NF1. In April 2012, the Norwegian Government proposed to upgrade all CV90s in the Norwegian Army’s inventory, in addition to acquiring more vehicles. In June 2012, a deal was signed with BAE Systems Hägglunds and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for the acquisition of 144 new/upgraded vehicles, including 74 infantry fighting, 21 reconnaissance, 15 command, 16 engineering, 16 multi-role and two driver training vehicles. On February 18, 2021, it was announced that Norway had ordered another 12 combat engineering vehicles and 8 multi-role vehicles.