Up to 30 Norwegian Companies in the Local Supply Chain

The Norwegian Army has ordered a further 20 CV90 IFVs from BAE Systems Hägglunds, the company announced on 18 February. Twelve engineering and eight multi-carrier variants will be delivered from 2023.

The $50+ million (€41.2 million) contract was placed by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) to increase the Army’s fleet to 164 vehicles as part of its effort to grow and modernise in the face of evolving threats. One of seven CV90 operators, Norway is the latest to enhance its fleet, following life extension programmes in the Netherlands and Switzerland.

“These additional vehicles will provide the Norwegian Army with the room for manoeuvre and combat power that the Army needs to be able to complete its missions using the most modern IFV vehicles in the world,” stated Brig Øyvind Johan Kvalvik of NDMA’s Land Systems Division.

BAE Systems will deliver the new vehicles in cooperation with Ritek, an established Norwegian CV90 partner. Up to 30 potential Norwegian suppliers will be responsible for upgrading and repairing components, as well as delivering new subsystems and technology solutions as part of future upgrades for the Norwegian CV90 fleet.

“We have a strong track record of delivering on time, at cost, and high quality to the Norwegian Army. This follow-up order demonstrates the importance of successful relationships with in-country industry partners like Ritek,” commented Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, Managing Director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. “As we work to enhance the Norwegian Army’s existing fleet of CV90s, deepening our existing relationships with local industry will naturally benefit our end users.” The company has a successful history of industrial cooperation projects in Norway that have strengthened industry partnerships, transferred technical know-how, and exceeded customer expectations and requirements. During the latest CV90 procurement and upgrade contract, BAE Systems Hägglunds delivered 100% of its offset obligation five years ahead of schedule.

“Our cooperation with the Norwegian armed forces and BAE Systems Hägglunds is based on trust and experience between all parties involved [and this new contract] brings a positive local employment effect for Ritek as we focus on delivering this critical capacity to the Norwegian Army in the form of more combat support vehicles,” stated Hilmar Olsen, General Manager at Ritek. “We also expect the project to provide long-term opportunities for several other Norwegian suppliers across the country.”