PARIS–BAE SYSTEMS’ CV90 and Beowulf combat vehicles and Archer artillery system are receiving increased interest from the Army and international partners, including the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, officials told Defense Daily Wednesday.
BAE showcased the latest MkIV version of its CV90 vehicle, built by the company’s Hagglunds subsidiary, for the first time at this week’s Eurosatory conference in Paris.
“The CV90 MkIV is probably the most modern Infantry Fighting Vehicle in the world,” Ola Thoren, communications director for BAE Systems Hagglunds, told Defense Daily .“This is probably the most modern Infantry Fighting Vehicle in the world.”
BAE has sold 1,208 different models of the CV90 to seven countries, with the Netherlands and Sweden already considering critical system upgrades offered with the MkIV version, according to Thoren.
The latest CV90 features the iFighting and Advanced Protection System tools to provide increased data processing capabilities. The Netherlands is the first customer for the APS.
BAE is also proposing the MkIV CV90 as the Czech Republic’s IFV replacement for its current BMP-2 vehicle.
Phil Page, BAE director of sales for the UK, said the company is also responding to a June 5 Army RFI to find a replacement the National Guard’s Joint All Weather All Terrain Service Vehicle, the M973 SUSV.
BAE plans to offer its Beowulf tactical vehicle, which first launched in 2016, according to Page.
Officials at Eurosatory also showcased the Archer howitzer system, which is currently fitted on a Volvo Modified A30D truck for Sweden, but BAE plans discuss feasibility options for modding the system to work on a more mil-spec trucks to increase the international market base.
“We are looking at that Rheinmetall HX2 vehicle, the truck, for some customers. We’re looking at the [Czech Republic’s] Tatra military truck as well,” Stefan Lofstrom, BAE head of Europe regional sales, said.
BAE is also exploring options for its Cased Telescoped Armament System with the Army’s Stryker the vehicle.
The first of its kind CTAS is already fitted for the British Army’s Ajax vehicle and will also be delivered to France starting in 2019.