On May 2, 2023, BAE Systems and Slovak firm KOVAL SYSTEMS a.s announced a contract agreement to collaborate on the manufacturing of the new CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) for the Slovak Armed Forces, as per a recent statement.
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BAE Systems CV90 Mk IV IFV tracked armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle. (Picture source BAE Systems)
In December 2022, the Slovak Republic's Ministry of Defence inked a €1.3 billion deal with Sweden, securing the delivery of 152 CV9035 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) from BAE Systems under a government-to-government agreement.
Slovak firm KOVAL SYSTEMS a.s has been awarded a contract by BAE Systems Hägglunds, the CV90 family of vehicles manufacturer, to fully assemble the CV90 turret for the Slovak program. KOVAL SYSTEMS will also produce mechanical parts for the turret. The two companies plan to manufacture around 80 vehicles at the Belusa facility, with more to follow. The initial turret parts will be produced by KOVAL SYSTEMS, with testing scheduled in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden in 2023.
Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, BAE Systems Hägglunds' managing director, stated that along with their Slovak partners, they are dedicated to providing the Slovak Armed Forces with an advanced, digitally equipped infantry fighting vehicle. He highlighted the CV90's success and quality, backed by its performance in combat.
Ján Michálek, KOVAL SYSTEMS' Business Director, expressed confidence in the program's benefits for the Slovak Army and its success for BAE Systems Hägglunds, KOVAL SYSTEMS, and their Slovak suppliers. He noted that these strategic partnerships would considerably support the Slovak industry in the long run.
The CV90 industrial collaboration program in Slovakia is making headway, with the KOVAL SYSTEMS contract being one of several to be signed as local Slovak industry partners for the CV90s are finalized. ZTS-Special was chosen as the full vehicle assembler for the project, signing a deal with BAE Systems Hägglunds in December 2022.
Other industrial network members include Ray Service s.r.o., responsible for developing and producing electrical components and sub-systems, and Aliter Technologies a.s, which is defining its role in the command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) domain with BAE Systems Hägglunds.
BAE Systems' established industrial cooperation program emphasizes local partners' significant and strategic involvement in the CV90's development, production, training, and support. This bolsters the Slovak industry and enhances supply security for the Armed Forces. The expanding network of industrial partners throughout Slovakia will guarantee local industry's crucial role in servicing, maintaining, and future development of the CV90s.
The Slovak Army will obtain the most recent version of the CV9035, called the CV90 MkIV, featuring state-of-the-art capabilities and digital technology to address the evolving battlefield requirements.
