BAE Systems Hägglunds has signed an agreement with Rheinmetall to equip the new CV90120 armored vehicle with the L44A1 120-millimeter low-recoil cannon.
The CV90120 is a light tank variant of BAE Systems’ flagship Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) infantry fighting vehicle, built on the latest MkIV chassis. It features a new engine, reinforced transmission, upgraded digital systems, and active protection against incoming threats.
The modernized design also enables allied forces already operating CV90s to share training, logistics, and spare parts more efficiently.
Meanwhile, Rheinmetall’s L44A1 is an upgraded version of its 120-millimeter smoothbore gun, derived from the well-known L/44 design, which is 44 calibers long or about 5 meters (16 feet) and is used on heavier platforms such as the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams.
The “A1” version incorporates recoil-reduction features, including a muzzle brake, allowing the weapon to be mounted on lighter tracked vehicles without compromising performance.
It remains compatible with all NATO-standard 120-millimeter ammunition, including programmable high-explosive and enhanced kinetic-energy rounds.
‘Winning Combination’
According to both companies, the collaboration aims to give the CV90120 the firepower of a main battle tank while maintaining the speed and agility of an infantry fighting vehicle.
“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.
To date, BAE has produced over 1,400 CV90 vehicles in 17 configurations for 10 European countries, several of which have been deployed in UN and NATO missions.
