Denmark's CV9035DK upgrades: A leap toward futuristic combat readiness

On 21 March, BAE Systems and the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (Forsvarets Materiel- og Indkøbsstyrelse, FMI) agreed to upgrade 43 CV9035DK infantry fighting vehicles. This upgrade, scheduled for their mid-life cycle (known as the mid-life upgrade, MLU), is part of a framework agreement worth around £320 million.

This agreement ensures support for these vehicles and aims to improve their availability considerably. The work will involve replacing old parts and equipping the vehicles with advanced combat features, enabling them to remain competitive on future battlefields.

The upgrade includes equipping the vehicles with the latest series D turret, featuring a Northrop Grumman / ATK Bushmaster III 35-millimetre cannon. This enhancement will provide the CV9035 crews with better protection and heightened situational awareness by integrating state-of-the-art sensors and augmented reality elements, thus bolstering the CV9035's battlefield capabilities. Ergonomics will see improvements, and crew survivability is expected to rise.

Since December 2022, it has been possible to mount anti-tank guided missile launchers on the CV90 family. At that time, BAE Systems Hägglunds and MBDA France successfully fired this missile from an integrated launcher on this vehicle type. The combined weight of the missile and launcher, the Akeron MP, is approximately 15 kilograms. It is capable of striking targets up to 5 kilometres away and functions as an NLOS (Non-Line Of Sight) system, engaging targets beyond the operator’s visual range.

Additionally, the CV9035DK will be equipped with composite tracks, achieving a dual benefit. First, it will reduce the vehicle's weight, enhancing mobility or allowing for the addition of new weaponry systems or APS. Second, it will decrease the vehicle's acoustic signature and reduce vibrations during travel, which will have a positive effect on limiting crew fatigue and contributing to the long-term health of the soldiers.

Crew situational awareness will be significantly improved, boosting their safety. A Defense Aid Suite sensor kit will also be installed. The work will occur between 2026 and 2029, engaging local defence sector companies. This involvement will help maintain the high efficiency of the mechanized infantry units.

The Royal Danish Land Forces are the latest beneficiaries in the series of CV90 family vehicle modernization (MLU) agreements. Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland concluded previous agreements. Danish modernization benefits from extensive experience in using and developing these vehicles, supplemented by the modernization efforts of other countries. Additional support for these efforts will come from analyses by the CV90 Users Club.

"I am very pleased with the signing of the contract for the modernization of Danish CV90s, one of our land forces' most important weapon systems," said General Kim Jesper Jørgensen, director of FMI. "Vehicle manufacturer BAE Systems Hägglunds possesses a deep knowledge of these capabilities, and the planned modernization will renew the vehicles as an effective combat platform for future operations."

In October 2016, BAE Systems secured a contract with Copenhagen to equip the CV9035DK with a battle management system. Denmark acquired 45 CV90s in the Mk III version for £143 million 2005. Marked by substantial modifications from the Swedish CV9040, they introduced a new, reinforced suspension and fully digital hull electronics. The vehicle's mobility and power-to-weight ratio were enhanced by fitting a Scania DI16 engine yielding 1005 horsepower.

The vehicle's combat potential is notably defined by its turret system, which features a Bushmaster III 35 mm cannon. The barrel can be easily upgraded by replacing it with a 50-millimetre version. The cannon has two feeding mechanisms, each holding 35 rounds: one with APFSDS anti-tank ammunition and the other with programmable rounds.

BAE Systems Hägglunds has sold 1700 vehicles across 17 different variants. The CV90s have accumulated over eight million kilometres during operations worldwide, including in Liberia, Afghanistan, and Ukraine (from Sweden, 50 Strf9040Cs were dispatched). Ten European countries have selected the vehicle, including eight NATO members, with the Czech Republic and Slovakia being the latest additions.

Looking to the future, the Army is eyeing the decisions made early last year regarding developing a new generation CV90 vehicle. Major General Karl Engelbrektson, commander of the Swedish land forces, noted that if the project commences, it will have the support of the Swedish Army. The new iteration, locally named Stridfordon 90 (Strf90), would undergo development and testing between 2023 and 2027, with Stockholm potentially procuring an unspecified number of these vehicles in various configurations by 2034. The Danes might also consider this option, which is likely influenced by the prospect of reduced long-term logistical costs, including crew and vehicle technical service training. Nevertheless, Copenhagen will soon need to decide to acquire a new infantry fighting vehicle despite the current efforts to modernize it.