29/07/2026
The first CV90 combat vehicle hulls have arrived at the Šenov plant from Sweden. This marks the full launch of the vehicle assembly process in the Czech Republic and symbolically completes the handover of key technologies from BAE Systems Hägglunds. The project is thus entering the next production phase, which is of crucial importance for the Czech defence industry.
Each vehicle consists of more than three thousand components, and its assembly takes several months. The state-owned enterprise plans to complete more than 200 vehicles; once production is in full swing, output is expected to reach around ten vehicles per month. The finished vehicles will then undergo rigorous testing at the state-owned enterprise’s test range. Each vehicle must undergo dozens of kilometres of road tests and a thorough inspection of all systems, ranging from electronics through weapon systems to communications equipment. Only after successfully passing all tests can the vehicle be handed over to the Czech Armed Forces. The assembly of the first thirteen vehicles is being carried out directly at the BAE Systems Hägglunds plant in Sweden.
As part of the project, two new, state-of-the-art production lines have been built in Šenov, which are identical to those used in Sweden. The company has also invested more than 80 million crowns in modernising its infrastructure and is gradually expanding its technological and personnel capacities. At the same time, VOP CZ has begun preparations to provide long-term servicing and comprehensive support for the vehicles throughout their entire life cycle, including maintenance, repairs and future upgrades.
Other companies in the Czech defence industry are also involved in the entire production programme, supplying components and technologies.
“This is a pivotal moment for the Czech defence industry. It is not just about the production of modern military equipment, but also about acquiring know-how that will remain in the Czech Republic for the future. This is essential for our self-sufficiency and our ability to respond to new security challenges,” said Vlastimil Navrátil, Director of VOP CZ.
“The start of CV90 vehicle assembly directly in the Czech Republic represents a significant milestone for the entire programme and confirms the successful transfer of technology and know-how between BAE Systems Hägglunds and the Czech defence industry. As a result, VOP CZ is becoming part of the modern European production and service base for the CV90 platform. We are proud that Czech companies and experts will play a key role not only in the production of vehicles for the Czech Army, but we also believe they will play a key role in their long-term support, maintenance and further development,” said Henrik Gyllencreutz, a representative of BAE Systems Hägglunds.