Czech VOP CZ Begins Assembly of CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles for Army

The state-owned defense firm VOP CZ in Šenov has received the first hulls from BAE Systems Hägglunds in Sweden and started assembling CV90 Mk IV infantry fighting vehicles for the Czech Armed Forces. The programme foresees the completion of more than 200 vehicles, with a planned production rate of about ten units per month, as part of a total order of 246 CV90s.

The new assembly lines at VOP CZ replicate those used at the Swedish plant and required an investment of roughly 80 million CZK. Each vehicle incorporates over 3,000 components, is equipped with a 30 mm Bushmaster II cannon, and will undergo extensive testing on the company’s proving ground before delivery. VOP CZ is also preparing long‑term servicing and support capabilities for the fleet.

Vlastimil Navrátil, director of VOP CZ, said the project marks a turning point for Czech defence industry by securing technology and know‑how for future self‑sufficiency. Henrik Gyllencreutz of BAE Systems Hägglunds highlighted the successful transfer of technology to the Czech partner.