Rheinmetall and BAE Equip CV90 with ‘Tank’ Gun

BAE Systems Hägglunds and Rheinmetall have partnered to install a new 120mm gun on the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). The goal is to provide the combat vehicle with the firepower of a tank while maintaining its maneuverability.

The gun is called the L44A1 LR – a low-recoil 120mm system. It is powerful but does not “shake” the vehicle as much as a standard tank gun would.

The CV90120 is a new version of the CV90 platform equipped with this gun. The vehicle will also feature a new engine, updated electronics, and an active protection system, as reported by BAE Systems Hägglunds.

The gun is compatible with standard NATO ammunition, including the programmable high-explosive fragmentation round DM11, as well as shaped‑charge (HEAT) and armor-piercing projectiles. This provides versatile engagement options against a range of targets.

The project’s advantage is tank-level firepower packaged within an IFV hull.

This approach allows you to quickly drive up, fire, and withdraw – it’s cheaper and easier than operating a full‑fledged tank.

“Powerful gun + mobile IFV = more firepower on the battlefield without a bulky tank,” the developers note.

Armies that already operate the CV90 will have easier maintenance and training — many parts and procedures are standardized with existing vehicles.

The CV90 is a proven platform, with more than 1,400 vehicles in 17 versions delivered to 10 European countries. The equipment has also participated in UN peacekeeping operations and NATO missions. The new CV90120 is designed to enhance the platform’s combat effectiveness.

As previously reported, the Swedish branch of BAE Systems AB will invest additional funds to expand production of the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle to 250 units per year, starting in 2026.