BAE Systems to Improve Capabilities and Ensure Longevity
The Swiss defence procurement agency, armasuisse, has contracted BAE Systems to conduct a life-extension programme for the Swiss Army’s CV9030 fleet, the company announced on 18 November.
The contract covering the 186 vehicles, known as Schützenpanzer 2000 in Switzerland, where it has been in service since the delivery programme 2002-2005 was completed, follows close cooperation between BAE Systems, and the Swiss government on an initial obsolescence study. This was followed by development of a prototype, an extensive testing regime in Switzerland and Sweden, and alterations in readiness for serial production. The aim of the programme is to keep the vehicles in service until 2040 and to significantly improve their capabilities in certain areas.
The improvements are mainly based on identified obsolescence issues in optical, electrical and electronic components. They also include the installation of active damping technology, which reduces wear and tear, minimizes through-life repair costs, improves speed in difficult terrain and enhances ride comfort. A new improved electronics architecture will support the vehicle’s adaptation to future technology growth. The vehicles will also be fitted with a 360° surveillance system, improving situational awareness, combat effectiveness, and survivability to enable safer route planning and more rapid targeting.
BAE Systems Hägglunds, the original manufacturer of the CV90, has already worked closely with Swiss industry to meet the industrial cooperation requirements. The programme will involve multiple suppliers based across all regions of Switzerland. Selected companies will produce items such as the next generation of electronic boxes for the CV90s, electrical cables, and mechanical components. One of these suppliers is RUAG AG, which will provide a new auxiliary power unit in collaboration with BAE Systems. Through its role as the Material Competence Center (Materialkompetenzzentrum), RUAG is fully involved in securing Switzerland’s autonomy and operational readiness, increasing defence capabilities, self-sufficiency, and security of supply, while preserving high-skilled jobs and in-country capability.
“This successful cooperation leaves us well positioned to start the production and delivery phase of this life-extension program. We are looking forward to delivering a technologically future-proofed platform together with Swiss industry,” commented Mattias Strandberg, Regional Director for BAE Systems Hägglunds.
In addition to Switzerland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands operate variants of the CV90. With close to 1,300 vehicles in service, it is combat-proven and designed to accommodate future growth to meet evolving missions.
