BAE Systems Signs Deal with Rheinmetall to Enhance CV90120 Firepower
- MM24 Multimedia Desk
- Oct 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 16
Credit:BAE Stytems
BAE Systems Hägglunds has partnered with Rheinmetall Weapon and Ammunition to integrate the 120mm L44A1 Low Recoil (LR) weapon system onto the latest CV90120 vehicle, combining the strengths of two of Europe’s leading defense companies. The collaboration aims to deliver a next-generation combat vehicle that meets the evolving demands of modern warfare with superior firepower, protection, and mobility.
The newly upgraded CV90120 prototype now features the Rheinmetall 120mm L44A1 LR gun, a high-performance, low-recoil weapon designed for lightweight platforms. The system is compatible with all NATO-standard 120mm ammunition, including Rheinmetall’s DM11 programmable high-explosive (HE) round and enhanced kinetic energy (KE) projectiles, offering unmatched versatility on the battlefield.
“Our customers will benefit from the combined expertise and resources of our two companies, resulting in a solution that offers enhanced firepower, protection, and mobility – a winning combination on the modern battlefield,” said Tarkan Turkcan, CV90 Platform Director at BAE Systems Hägglunds.
Combining Firepower and Agility
At the heart of this upgrade lies BAE Systems’ CV90 MkIV chassis, the latest evolution of the proven CV90 family. The MkIV platform introduces significant advancements in performance and survivability, including a new high-output engine, heavy-duty transmission, active damping suspension, modernized electronic architecture, and an active protection system (APS) for enhanced survivability against anti-tank threats.
This integration enables the CV90120 to deliver the firepower of a main battle tank while maintaining the strategic and tactical mobility of an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). The result is a cost-effective, high-lethality system capable of providing heavy direct fire support, rapid maneuverability, and adaptability across diverse combat environments.
Interoperability and Efficiency
For armies already operating or procuring the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle, the new CV90120 variant offers a distinct advantage: platform commonality. Shared components, training systems, and logistics chains streamline maintenance and reduce lifecycle costs. This interoperability ensures that forces can integrate the upgraded CV90120 seamlessly within existing armored formations.
Rheinmetall’s low-recoil 120mm solution allows for integration without compromising vehicle stability or mobility, ensuring that even lighter armored platforms can deliver precision firepower equivalent to that of a main battle tank. Together, the two companies are shaping a vehicle that blends tank-level lethality with infantry vehicle agility.
A Proven Legacy of the CV90 Family
The CV90 platform has long been recognized for its reliability, adaptability, and battlefield effectiveness. More than 1,400 CV90 vehicles have been produced in 17 different variants for 10 European nations, forming the CV90 User Group community. The vehicle family has seen extensive service in NATO and UN operations, earning a reputation for performance across diverse terrains and missions.
With the introduction of the upgraded CV90120, BAE Systems Hägglunds and Rheinmetall continue to push the boundaries of armored vehicle design — delivering a powerful new deterrent that combines cutting-edge technology, proven engineering, and battlefield flexibility to meet the challenges of 21st-century warfare.
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