Swedish CV90 armoured vehicles boost Ukrainian brigade's capabilities
Ukrainian soldiers from the 93rd Independent Mechanised Brigade have high praise for the combat infantry vehicles (IFV) Strf 9040C / CV90 provided by Sweden. Here's what stands out to them.
The commander commends the Swedish IFV for its simplicity in operation compared to the BMP-2, while simultaneously offering protection against 30 mm calibre cannons and exceptional mobility. The vehicle's automatic transmission eases driving challenges, and even navigating through nearly a metre of mud poses no problem for this 1345 horsepower powerhouse.
The 40 mm calibre cannon is highly effective, and the crew reported no issues with ammunition. Also, the vehicle's interior design receives accolades for its mine protection. Significantly, the ceiling-suspended seats, instead of floor-mounted, provide added safety.
These seats can also be folded, enabling the Strf 9040C / CV90 to transport either the wounded or additional ammunition. Moreover, the vehicle includes facilities to prepare meals and boil water, a notable luxury over former Soviet-era machinery.
Strf 9040C - the Swedish armoured nightmare for Russians
The Ukrainians were supplied with the IFV Stridsfordon 9040C from Sweden, a modern version of the Stridsfordon 90 or CV90, first introduced in the 1990s.
These heavy tracked IFVs, weighing up to 38 tonnes with added armour, offer comprehensive protection at level VI according to the STANAG 4569 standard. This means they are resistant to fire from 30 mm calibre cannons. Additionally, the vehicle offers substantial defence against handheld anti-tank weaponry or bomblets from FPV type drones or similar devices.
A crew recently withstood a hit from a Russian drone without sustaining damage, showcasing the CV90's elevated level of protection for both its three-person crew and up to seven troops.
The only pointed downside to the Swedish variant is the 40 mm cannon, which, despite having advanced anti-tank ammunition and programmable capabilities, is loaded from removable magazines rather than a belt. This limits its fire rate to theoretically 300 rounds/min, but firing five shots per second remains impressive.
These vehicles are considered among the best IFVs in the world, surpassing even the well-known and feared in Ukraine M2A2 Bradley ODS in certain parameters.
