FMV has signed a contract with BAE Systems Hägglunds AB to conduct a preliminary study regarding the replacement acquisition of combat vehicles. The value of the contract is 36 million SEK. The goal is for the preliminary study to be completed in time to place a series order for the so-called CV9035 MkIIIC early in 2024, according to a press release from FMV.

The contract is a first step to replace the combat vehicles of type 9040C that Sweden has donated to Ukraine, according to the authority.

– Being able to replace the 50 donated vehicles to the Swedish customer with a variant, CV90MkIIIC, is good and important for both Hägglunds and Sweden. Now we will work through the details with the Swedish customer, and the timeline looks to reach a finalized contract during the first quarter of 2024, says BAE Systems Hägglunds CEO Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, in a post on the company's LinkedIn page.

The preliminary study enables planning for upcoming production and allows orders to be placed for certain components and materials with long lead times. Preparations for upcoming production can thus be made in parallel with the final negotiations on the contract for new combat vehicles, writes the authority.

– Now it is important to save time, and this assignment paves the way to start production as soon as we sign the final procurement agreement. It is a prerequisite to replace the equipment donated to Ukraine and restore the capability in the army's war organization as quickly as possible, says Jonas Lotsne, head of army materiel FMV in the press release.