CV90120: Sweden's modern answer to heavy tanks
The Swedish division of the BAE Systems corporation has presented an updated vision of a light tank based on the chassis of the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). We show what the economical alternative to the Leopard 2 tank can offer.
The CV90120 is a variant of the renowned Swedish CV90, initially fitted with a turret containing a 105 mm cannon, which was later upgraded to a 120 mm tank gun. This development created a fire support vehicle that boasts the firepower of a tank while being significantly lighter.
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 often serve as artillery support, and the increasingly common active protection systems can intercept traditional anti-tank guided missiles. Although intercepting those descending from above remains a challenge, it is expected that corresponding systems will eventually be developed.
In contrast, only substantial multilayer front armour can offer protection 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 megajoules (as seen with the long gun from Leopard 2A6 tanks or later).
It's worth considering the cost aspect, as one penetrator shell is significantly cheaper compared to a single FGM-148 Javelin or Akeron MP missile, which can each cost several hundred thousand dollars.
CV90120 - Enormous firepower in a familiar format
The strength of the CV90120 lies in the optimal use of the CV90 IFV systems and chassis, facilitating logistics and training due to the shared platform weighing approximately 40 tonnes. As demonstrated in Ukraine, heavy tanks such as the Challenger 2 or M1A1 Abrams encounter difficulties in muddy terrains, whereas lighter platforms like the Leopard 1A5 can prove highly effective when equipped with protection against anti-tank missiles and drones.
The CV90120 crew consists of three soldiers, with the option to add two more personnel dedicated to tasks such as overseeing a reconnaissance drone or coordinating other units. This is crucial because the effectiveness and survivability of this vehicle rely more on tactics than on armour protection.
The armour is expected to remain at the level of the standard CV90, offering resistance against automatic cannon fire but not against shells from other tanks. The key is adding an active protection system capable of intercepting anti-tank missiles or grenades, which are the primary armament of infantry units and numerous vehicles.
This implies that the main threats are enemy tanks or other fire support vehicles equipped with large-calibre guns. These can, however, be countered with its own 120 mm gun, with a length of 47–55 calibers, equipped with an autoloader capable of firing 12–14 rounds per minute. The ammunition magazine holds 16 rounds in the autoloader and over twice as many in the hull.
It’s worth noting that Slovakia is interested in purchasing a batch of these vehicles, and according to information from January 2025, it may abandon plans to procure 104 Leopard 2A8 tanks in favour of selecting the cheaper Swedish option, which offers comparable firepower as a companion to the CV90 IFVs chosen for its own army.
