IRIA News

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The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) has awarded a contract to BAE Systems to deliver 44 additional CV90MkIIIC infantry fighting vehicles at a value of approximately $450 million.

The deal includes combat vehicles, spares, logistics support, and comprehensive training, marking a substantial investment in Denmark’s armored modernization strategy and its broader role within NATO’s northern defense posture.

The new order builds upon a 2024 contract for 115 CV90s, bringing Denmark’s total future fleet of CV90MkIIICs to 159 vehicles. The acquisition replaces the previously planned mid-life upgrade (MLU) program for Denmark’s existing CV9035DK fleet.

Commander of the Danish Army, Major General Peter Boysen said, “The infantry fighting vehicle is an essential part of the combat power in the heavy brigade. It is therefore crucial that we acquire a consolidated fleet of vehicles as quickly as possible. With the decision to replace the current 44 IFV’s with new ones, the Army will have 159 state-of-the-art infantry fighting vehicles by the end of 2030.”

The Danish Armed Forces have opted for a full-fleet modernization built around the newest-generation CV90 standard, reflecting a deliberate shift toward future-proofed capabilities that align with Europe’s current and emerging security challenges.

General manager at BAE Systems Hägglunds, Tommy Gustafsson-Rask highlighted the importance of this deal and said, “This order demonstrates the trust that the Danish Armed Forces have in the CV90’s capabilities and our commitment to providing high-quality solutions that meet their evolving needs.”

“The CV9035MkIIIC will position Denmark at the forefront of modern defense by delivering new technology and seamless interoperability with allied nations,” he added.

CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles

The CV90 family, developed in Sweden by BAE Systems Hägglunds, has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile and survivable infantry fighting vehicles in service today. More than 1,500 units are fielded across Europe, reflecting nearly three decades of incremental modernization.

The MkIIIC variant incorporates significant enhancements across mobility, lethality, and crew protection. The vehicle integrates enhanced armor packages and multi-layered protection suites designed to counter kinetic, blast, and improvised explosive device (IED) threats.

The CV9035 is equipped with a Bushmaster III 35/50 autocannon, which provides it with significant firepower, capable of engaging a wide range of targets, from infantry to armored vehicles. In addition to the main cannon, the vehicle is also outfitted with machine guns, grenade launchers, and anti-tank-guided missiles, making it a formidable asset on the battlefield. The integration of these advanced weapon systems ensures that the CV9035 can perform a variety of roles, from direct combat to providing support for infantry operations.

One of the defining features of the CV9035 MKIIIC is its powerful V8 engine, which delivers 1,000 horsepower, enabling the vehicle to achieve a maximum operational range of 900 kilometers and speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour. This combination of power and mobility allows the CV9035 to operate effectively in diverse terrains, from urban environments to rugged landscapes.

The vehicle’s advanced suspension system and durable construction further enhance its ability to withstand the rigors of combat, providing both protection and operational effectiveness for its crew.

The CV9035MkIIIC builds upon a combat-proven platform that has logged more than eight million kilometers in operations and has been deployed by NATO members across multiple theaters. With more than 1,900 vehicles ordered in 17 variants by 10 European nations, the CV90 is one of Europe’s most widely adopted and interoperable infantry fighting vehicles.

Industrial and Regional Defense Cooperation

While the new vehicles will be produced at BAE Systems Hägglunds’ facilities in Sweden, Denmark will benefit from collaborative industrial engagements, sustainment partnerships, and potential future technology integration programs.

This contract strengthens longstanding defense-industrial ties within Scandinavia and supports broader European efforts to increase collective defense manufacturing capacity.

The shared operational base among Nordic and Baltic CV90 users also enables closer cooperation in joint exercises, maintenance support, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, further enhancing regional defense cohesion.