BAE Systems Hägglunds has unveiled a new iteration of its CV90120 light tank platform equipped with the Rheinmetall L44A1 120 mm smoothbore gun. The integration brings NATO-standard main battle tank (MBT) firepower to a vehicle weighing roughly half as much as traditional MBTs like the Leopard 2. This development marks a significant evolution in the light armor segment and offers new tactical options for expeditionary and high-mobility forces.
CV90120 Platform Overview
The CV90120 is based on the proven CV90 family of tracked armored vehicles developed by BAE Systems Hägglunds (Sweden). Originally conceived in the early 2000s as a lightweight fire support vehicle or “light tank,” the CV90120 has undergone several iterations aimed at enhancing lethality while maintaining high mobility and strategic deployability.
The latest variant retains the core advantages of the CV90 chassis—modular armor architecture, advanced suspension for off-road mobility, and digital battlefield integration—while incorporating significant upgrades to firepower and survivability. The platform reportedly weighs around 35–38 tonnes depending on configuration, compared to over 60 tonnes for most Western MBTs.
Rheinmetall L44A1 Gun Integration
The centerpiece of this upgrade is the installation of Rheinmetall’s L44A1 smoothbore gun—a modernized version of the legacy Rh-120 L/44 cannon used on early Leopard 2 variants. The L44A1 features improved barrel metallurgy for higher pressure tolerance and compatibility with advanced kinetic energy (KE) rounds such as DM63 and programmable HE munitions like DM11.
- Caliber: 120×570 mm NATO standard
- Barrel length: L/44 (approx. 5.3 m)
- Muzzle velocity: ~1,750 m/s (DM53 KE round)
- Ammunition types: APFSDS-T (e.g., DM63), HEAT-MP-T, programmable HE (e.g., DM11)
The gun is mounted in an unmanned turret configuration designed by BAE Systems Hägglunds that includes an autoloader system capable of managing up to 16 ready rounds internally. Additional rounds are stored within armored compartments in the hull.
Tactical Role and Operational Advantages
The CV90120 fills a niche between infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) armed with medium-caliber autocannons and full-scale MBTs. Its reduced weight enables air transportability via A400M or C-17 aircraft—a critical factor for rapid deployment forces such as airborne or expeditionary brigades.
Tactically, it offers several advantages:
- Firepower parity with MBTs: Capable of defeating contemporary armor threats using NATO-standard KE projectiles
- High mobility: Tracks and power-to-weight ratio allow maneuvering in terrain inaccessible to heavier tanks
- C4ISR integration: Compatible with modern battle management systems; potential Link-16 or national equivalents
- Lighter logistics footprint: Lower fuel consumption and easier transport than MBTs
Sensors, Protection & Survivability Enhancements
The new CV90120 variant integrates advanced sensor suites including panoramic commander’s sights with thermal imaging (likely third-generation), laser rangefinders, hunter-killer engagement logic, and stabilized day/night sights for both commander and gunner.
The unmanned turret reduces crew vulnerability while allowing lower profile design. Survivability features include modular composite armor scalable up to STANAG Level 6 protection against kinetic threats on frontal arc; active protection system (APS) integration is reportedly under consideration but not confirmed.
Strategic Implications & Market Outlook
This upgrade positions BAE Systems Hägglunds to compete more aggressively in markets seeking mobile yet lethal armored platforms—especially nations prioritizing air-deployable forces or operating in terrain unsuitable for heavy MBTs. Potential customers include Nordic states seeking Arctic-capable platforms; Eastern European NATO members facing hybrid threats; or Indo-Pacific partners needing jungle/mountain-capable armor.
The use of NATO-standard ammunition also simplifies logistics across allied formations—a key factor during coalition operations or forward deployments under NATO Enhanced Forward Presence missions.
Comparison With Peer Light Tanks
The CV90120 competes directly with other emerging light tanks such as General Dynamics Land Systems’ M10 Booker (formerly MPF), China’s VT-5 export tank, South Korea’s K21-105 Hanwha variant, and Indonesia’s Harimau/FNSS Kaplan MT. Among these contenders:
- M10 Booker: Heavier (~42 tonnes), uses a different turret/gun system but similar operational concept
- K21-105 / Harimau: Use Cockerill CT-CV turrets; lighter but less protected than CV90 series chassis
- VT-5: Comparable weight (~33–36 tonnes), but lacks NATO interoperability standards
Status & Future Developments
No formal procurement has yet been announced for this specific configuration combining the CV90 chassis with Rheinmetall’s upgraded L44A1 gun. However, given increasing interest from militaries seeking lighter armored formations without sacrificing lethality—particularly after lessons from Ukraine—the platform could see renewed traction among European allies or export clients.
