The Netherlands to Procure Additional CV90 IFVs and Engineering Equipment to Strengthen Brigades

The Royal Netherlands Army will receive additional CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), tank bridge layers, new engeneer vehicles and heavy recovery platforms.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense reported that State Secretary for Defense Derk Boswijk informed the House of Representatives of the Netherlands in writing.

The renewal and expansion of the vehicle fleet aims to increase the combat power of the heavy and medium infantry brigades in preparation for potential conflicts. The additional CV90 fighting vehicles are intended for a new mechanized battalion based at the Nassau-Dietz barracks in Budel.

CV90 IFV

The Swedish CV90 (Combat Vehicle 90) IFV is a tracked vehicle equipped with a 35 mm or 40 mm automatic cannon and electro-optical systems. It can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, features modular armor that protects against armor-piercing rounds, and includes an active protection system (APS) to intercept anti-tank missiles.

Replacement of Kodiak Engineer Vehicles

In addition to the fighting vehicles, the Netherlands will replace its aging Kodiak engineer vehicles based on the Leopard 2, which have shown high failure rates and poor protection. The new vehicles will ensure troops can reliably pass through minefields, rubble, walls, and other fortifications.

Leguan Bridge Layers

To let troops cross water obstacles, the defense agency is buying additional tank bridge layers through an intergovernmental contract with Germany.

The Leguan bridge layer, based on the Leopard 2 chassis, can deploy one 26-meter bridge or two 14-meter bridges in eight minutes. The system can accommodate vehicles weighing up to 72 tonnes and has a maximum speed of 65 km/h.

Wisent 2 ARV

At the same time, the Netherlands is ordering new armored tracked support vehicles and heavy maintenance platforms from German contractor Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH (FFG).

The Wisent 2 heavy armored recovery vehicle is based on the Leopard 2 chassis. It is equipped with a crane capable of lifting 32 tonnes, a winch with a pulling force of 40 tonnes, and a bulldozer blade.

ACSV Platforms

The selected support platform is FFG’s ACSV (Armored Combat Support Vehicle), which is already in service with the Norwegian Army. The procurement includes command and staff vehicles, armored medical vehicles, minelayers, and driver-training vehicles.

The ACSV features a flexible tracked chassis that can be fitted with rubber tracks to reduce noise and vibration. With a combat weight of up to 26 tonnes, the vehicle can reach speeds of up to 74 km/h and provides a high level of protection.

Involvement of the Domestic Defense Industry

The contract will ensure significant involvement of the Dutch industry: Van Halteren Technologies will carry out the final assembly and maintenance of the ACSV and Wisent 2 vehicles in the Netherlands. KONI Nederland, Neways Electronics, and Avient Protective Materials will also supply components.