Netherlands Presents Upgraded CV90 IFV Laden with Israeli Defense Systems
The Dutch army revealed at the IHV 2024 exhibition held last week in London the improved version of the CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), which has been used as the army's main combat vehicle since 2009. The upgraded version of this vehicle includes an Active Protection System "Iron Fist" made by Israeli Elbit Systems and a Spike LR2 anti-tank missile launcher made by Israeli Rafael.
The Dutch army currently has 144 CV9035NL infantry fighting vehicles purchased from BAE Systems between 2004 and 2009. With the absence of tanks in the Dutch Army, the CV90 plays a pivotal role as the primary weapons system. The mid-life upgrade, set to be completed by 2026, focuses on enhancing firepower, situational awareness, and survivability.
In October 2022, BAE Systems unveiled the first upgraded CV90 infantry fighting vehicles with advanced features for the Royal Netherlands Army. The $500m (€460m) contract, awarded in January 2021, mandated the modernization of 122 CV90s, with an option for 19 additional vehicles, ensuring service through 2039.
Army-technology.com website says that beyond the addition of the Israeli systems, the upgrade process also includes adjustments such as repositioning the main canon and machine gun, implementing a new ammunition feeder, and relocating the machine gun outside the crew compartment for increased safety and efficiency.
Electro-optical systems have also been added to improve operational awareness, such as Electro-Optical Panoramic Sight (EOPS) on a retractable mast, new thermal imaging cameras, and 360-degree IR/day cameras.
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