Czech defense company VR Group, a subsidiary of LOM PRAHA, has recently secured a contract in partnership with Swedish company BAE Systems Hägglunds. The contract involves the development and delivery of an extensive simulation and training system for the CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicles to be used by the Czech Armed Forces. The agreement was finalized during the IDET 2023 arms fair, which took place in Brno, Czech Republic, at the end of May. Vít Ryska, chairman of VR Group, has confirmed that the training system will encompass computer classrooms, teaching materials, and simulators featuring highly accurate replicas of the CV90 MkIV’s driver’s cabins and turret cabins.
VR Group, a leading manufacturer of simulators, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, showcasing its extensive expertise in the field. One of its notable contributions is the provision of tactical simulators to the ground forces and staff training of the Czech Armed Forces. These simulators, including the versatile models for BVP-2, LandRover, KOT Pandur, and other equipment, are utilized by Czech soldiers at the Simulation and Trainer Technology Center (CSTT) in Vyškov. Moreover, the company has successfully delivered shooting simulators to prestigious entities such as the Hradní stráž and the Czech Police, highlighting its diverse clientele both at home and abroad. The upcoming installation of the CV90 system will predominantly take place at the CSTT, situated within the Campus of the Training Command at the Military Academy of Vyškov.
In May 2023, the Czech Ministry of Defense signed a contract valued at USD 2.2 billion with BAE Systems Hägglunds for the procurement of 246 CV90 MkIV vehicles in seven different variants. As part of this agreement, the Czech defense industry will have a 40% share in the vehicle production process. This collaboration not only strengthens the domestic defense industry but also enhances the Czech Republic’s capabilities in military training and simulation systems. this collaboration will bring new competences to the Czech Republic through the utilization of advanced modeling and simulation technologies. Additionally, it will foster long-term development through established industrial cooperation.
The Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90, Stridsfordon 90), is a family of Swedish tracked armored 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 from the Mk 0 to current Mk IV with technological advances and changing battlefield requirements. The CV90 Mk IV is equipped with a new Scania engine which develops up to 1,000 horsepower (750 kW) and the latest upgraded X300 heavy-duty transmission. The Mk IV generation will also be the first Western IFV with a qualified Active Protection System. It will be equipped with fourth generation electronic architecture supporting future technology adoption and growth.
