Sweden has awarded a pre-design contract to HB Utveckling AB, a partnership between BAE Systems Hägglunds and Bofors, to begin a service life-extension program covering all CV90 combat vehicle variants.
Valued at around 335 million Swedish kronor ($37.8 million), the agreement encompasses the design of upgrade solutions, prototype development, acquisition of necessary components, and preparations for serial production.
Work on the initiative will continue until 2031, aiming to ensure that the CV90 fleet remains operational through at least 2045.
Expanding and Modernizing the Ground Fleet
The program supports Sweden’s wider defense strategy of upgrading legacy armored systems while boosting land force capacity through new vehicle procurements.
In December, Sweden ordered 94 more Patria 6×6 armored vehicles in a deal worth approximately 1.5 billion kronor ($159.8 million), bringing the total fleet to 415 units. Deliveries are scheduled through 2030.
Earlier this year, the Swedish government also contracted KNDS Germany for upgrades and additional Leopard 2 main battle tanks. The agreement includes refurbishing 66 existing tanks and acquiring 44 newly built Leopard 2A8 models.
These upgrades build upon a prior 3.5 billion kronor ($316 million) contract awarded to Krauss-Maffei Wegmann for Leopard 2 modernization, which featured enhancements to onboard electronics, improved night-vision systems, and a thermal camera for drivers.
