BAE Systems Hägglunds has presented a new version of the CV90120 light tank designed to address modern threats and challenges.

The company published a video on its YouTube channel.

The updated vehicle was presented during the LAAD 2025 defense exhibition, which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from April 1 to 4.

According to Tarkan Turkcan. Director, CV90 BAE Hägglunds, the new vehicle has undergone a complete electronics upgrade and digitalization.

The layout of the combat vehicle remains the same as the CV9040, but the crew compartment has been transformed into a storage area for 120mm ammunition.

The light tank uses a chassis nearly identical to the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle, which means fewer different spare parts, additional tools, or specialized technical training for the chassis. The commander, gunner, and driver interface will be the same as in the CV90.

Firepower and Protection

The turret is equipped with a 120mm smoothbore CTG (Compact Tank Gun) developed by Swiss Ordnance Works (now RUAG Land Systems), providing combat power similar to that of main battle tanks.

The total ammunition load is 40 rounds, with 10 stored in the turret autoloader and 30 in the rear part of the hull.

According to the video, in addition to the 120mm gun, the new version will also be equipped with a coaxial machine gun or a small-caliber Gatling-style gun. Additionally, a remote-controlled machine gun combat module will be specifically designed for drone interception.

The light tank will also be equipped with an active protection system integrated with a laser detection system.

The main armor remains from the original CV90 IFV platform, but provisions are made to install additional modular protection elements, including on the roof.

According to the video, in addition to the 120mm gun, the new version will also be equipped with a coaxial machine gun or a small-caliber Gatling-style gun. Additionally, there will be a remote-controlled machine gun combat module specifically designed for drone interception.

However, according to footage from the exhibition published by the local military media Zona Militar, the appearance of the actual exhibit differs significantly from the concept shown in the video. Specifically, the exhibit does not capture the installed coaxial machine gun.

In January 2025, it was reported that the Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic was interested in purchasing Swedish CV90120-T light tanks as an alternative to the expensive Leopard 2A8.

According to the Ministry of Defense, purchasing Swedish light tanks is a much cheaper alternative that will allow purchasing more units for a lower price.

Read more about the various variants of vehicles based on the CV90 in Militarnyi’s article CV90: History, modifications, operators.