Czech VOP CZ to Begin Production of Swedish CV90 IFVs

The Czech state-owned company VOP CZ, s.p. has started preparations to manufacture Swedish CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, natoaktual.cz reported.

The plant is undergoing infrastructure and equipment upgrades estimated at about CZK 80 million. The company currently employs around 500 people and plans to hire up to 200 additional staff.

VOP CZ, s.p. is the primary strategic partner of BAE Systems-Hägglunds in fulfilling the Czech army’s order for 246 CV90 Mk.IV vehicles. The facility will handle hull production, final assembly, and vehicle testing.

Full-scale production is expected to begin in March next year, with the first vehicle scheduled to roll out in September 2026.

The largest share of the investment will go toward renovating existing production halls and constructing a new facility to store up to 20 vehicles. The main workshop is being overhauled to include new cranes, part storage systems, and an assembly line. Specialized bays will be added for final vehicle testing.

New warehouses will also be built for lubricants, spare parts, and classified components requiring high-security storage.

Facility upgrades

The company has already begun rebuilding its open-air test site for trial runs of the infantry fighting vehicles. The site upgrade will cost 1.5 million crowns. Each CV90 must travel 10 to 15 kilometers to verify functionality and detect any defects. VOP CZ aims to complete all major infrastructure projects by the end of the year.

The first batch of CV90s is expected to be delivered to the Czech army in November 2026. The full order of 246 vehicles, worth CZK 59.7 billion (approximately $2.6 billion), should be completed by 2030.

Production will be heavily localized, with at least 40% of work performed in the Czech Republic. The Swedish manufacturer BAE Systems-Hägglunds is partnering with five key Czech firms: VOP CZ, s.p., Excalibur Army, Meopta, Ray Service, a.s., and VR Group, a.s., which is part of LOM Praha s.p. Around 30 additional local companies are also expected to participate.

Chassis and turret production will take place domestically. VOP CZ and Excalibur Army will handle hulls and turrets, Meopta will supply optics, Ray Service will provide wiring systems, and VR Group will deliver training simulators.

Czech engineers are also working on two CV90 variants: a medical evacuation vehicle and an artillery reconnaissance model.