Unveiling the CV90120: Sweden's light tank alternative
The Swedish division of BAE Systems has unveiled an updated vision of a light tank based on the chassis of the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). Here is what this economical alternative to the Leopard 2 tank offers.
The CV90120 is a variant of the renowned Swedish CV90, initially equipped with a 105 mm cannon that later integrated a 120 mm tank gun. This resulted in the creation of a fire support vehicle with tank-like firepower but significantly reduced weight.
Sometimes a cannon is the only solution
There are scenarios where nothing can replace high-explosive or kinetic penetrator shells. For instance, tanks in Ukraine are frequently used for artillery support, and increasingly common active protection systems can intercept traditional anti-tank guided missiles. Although challenges remain in countering missiles descending from above, suitable systems will eventually be developed.
In contrast, only massive multilayer front armour can protect against kinetic penetrators made of tungsten or depleted uranium, weighing a few kilograms and accelerated to over 1,500 metres per second, with kinetic energy reaching up to 10 MJ (as seen with the long gun of Leopard 2A6 tanks or later models).
It's noteworthy that the cost of a penetrator shell is minimal compared to, for example, a single FGM-148 Javelin or Akeron MP missile, which can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars each.
CV90120 - Enormous firepower in a familiar format
The strength of the CV90120 lies in maximizing the use of CV90 IFV systems and chassis, which facilitates logistics and training thanks to the shared platform, weighing around 40,000 kilograms. As demonstrated in Ukraine, heavy tanks such as the Challenger 2 or M1A1 Abrams face challenges in muddy terrains, whereas lighter platforms like the Leopard 1A5 can be highly effective when equipped with protection against anti-tank missiles and drones.
The CV90120 crew comprises three soldiers, with the option to add two more personnel for tasks such as overseeing a reconnaissance drone or coordinating other units. This is crucial as the vehicle’s effectiveness and survivability depend more on tactics than armour protection.
The armour is expected to match that of the standard CV90, offering resistance against automatic cannon fire but not against shells from other tanks. The key is incorporating an active protection system capable of intercepting anti-tank missiles or grenades, the main arsenal of infantry units and numerous vehicles.
This means that the primary threats remain enemy tanks or other fire support vehicles with large-calibre guns. These can be countered with its own 120 mm gun, with a barrel length of 47–55 calibres, equipped with an autoloader allowing a rate of fire of 12–14 rounds per minute. The ammunition magazine holds 16 rounds in the autoloader and more than twice that in the hull.
It’s also important to note that Slovakia is interested in purchasing a batch of these vehicles, and as of January 2025, it may consider abandoning plans to acquire 104 Leopard 2A8 tanks in favour of selecting the more affordable Swedish option, offering comparable firepower to complement the CV90 IFVs chosen for its army.
