Swedish Maker of CV90120 Light Tanks Unveils New Version with Upgraded Armament
The new CV90120 version shows how the rules of ground combat are changing: the light tracked platform now targets a role previously reserved for heavy tanks, with the symbiosis of Swedish mobility and German tank artillery tradition playing a key role.
On October 8, 2025, Swedish manufacturer BAE Systems Hägglunds announced the start of development of a new version of the CV90120 light tank, which will be equipped with a modernized Rheinmetall L44A1 120 mm cannon, which features significantly lower recoil compared to the previous version. The company also confirmed its cooperation with the German concern Rheinmetall Weapon and Ammunition, whose technical solution for the weapon is designed to give the vehicle the firepower of a main battle tank (MBT) while maintaining the mobility and low weight typical of the CV90 platform.
For more than three decades, the CV90 family of vehicles has formed the basis of modern tracked combat vehicles in the arsenals of European armies. BAE Systems Hägglunds has produced over 1,400 units in 17 versions for ten countries, and the vehicles have proven themselves in NATO and UN missions. The new CV90120 variant represents a further evolutionary step, combining the experience gained from operating a proven platform with a new level of firepower. Its aim is to offer armies the opportunity to acquire tank power in a lighter, cheaper, and more flexible package.
The aim of the project and cooperation between BAE Systems and Rheinmetall
The project aims to verify whether it is possible to achieve full tank gun performance using a lighter tracked platform, through the use of modern recoil control technologies and structural load optimization. The solution is based on the "Low Recoil" concept, which reduces the recoil force when firing to such an extent that even a powerful 120 mm gun can be safely installed on a vehicle weighing around 35 tons. This allows the use of standard tank ammunition without the need for a massive turret structure. In practice, this means that a light tank can have the same firepower as a Leopard 2 tank, but with significantly lower weight and logistical burden.
Tarkan Turkcan, director of the CV90 platform, said in a press release: "Our customers will benefit from the combined expertise and resources of our two companies, resulting in a solution that offers increased firepower, protection, and mobility—a winning combination on the modern battlefield." The joint project benefits from NATO compatibility – both in terms of ammunition and service infrastructure – and also offers economic advantages in the form of shared development and unified supply chains.
Modernization core: new L44A1 Low Recoil armament
The Rheinmetall L44A1 Low Recoil cannon represents an evolutionary development of the well-known L/44 weapon, which is standard equipment on many NATO main battle tanks. The original L/44, with a barrel length of 44 calibers (approx. 5.28 m), achieved a muzzle velocity of around 1,650 m/s with standard kinetic projectiles. The new A1 version retains the same chamber geometry and barrel length, but features significant design improvements.
The weapon uses more durable steel alloys, a reinforced breech assembly, and a modernized recoil damping system that distributes the forces of the shot over a longer distance. This modification reduces the transfer of recoil to the mount and allows it to be used on lighter vehicles. Rheinmetall introduces technologies that reduce erosion and improve barrel life (TIPS and others), which, according to the manufacturer, lead to a noticeable increase in service life compared to older variants; the exact percentage depends on the type of ammunition and operating conditions.
The cannon is fully compatible with all types of NATO 120×570 mm ammunition, including modern DM63A1 and DM73 kinetic projectiles, which achieve penetration of over 600 mm RHA at a distance of 2,000 meters, as well as programmable DM11 rounds. These rounds offer an effective range of up to 5 km.
The Low Recoil system uses an extended recoil path, optimized hydraulic dampers, and an optional muzzle brake. The combination of these elements reduces the peak forces acting on the gun mount by tens of percent without any loss of projectile performance. This allows the cannon to be used in vehicles in the 30-40 ton weight class, which includes the CV90120.
Compared to the previously used RUAG 120 mm L/50 Compact Tank Gun, which was installed on the older CV90120-T variant, the L44A1 offers higher pressure limits, better compatibility with new ammunition, and a longer service life. At the same time, it ensures more stable firing behavior and lower stress on the turret and chassis, which reduces maintenance requirements and extends the system's life cycle.
Modifications to the CV90 MkIV platform for the integration of a new weapon
The latest version of the CV90 Mk IV chassis, which is already designed for higher loads and dynamic stress, was used to integrate the L44A1 LR cannon. The vehicle has been fitted with a reinforced upper hull, new gun mounts, and stabilized turret mounts that maintain accuracy even when firing on the move. The platform uses "active suspension," an improved transmission, and modernized electronic architecture that allows for the integration of a digital fire control system and connection to command data networks.
Power is provided by a 1,000 hp engine, which gives the 35-37 ton vehicle an excellent power-to-weight ratio and a top speed of 70 km/h on the road. The automatic loading system allows a rate of fire of 6-10 rounds per minute and a supply of 45-50 rounds of ammunition. The crew consists of four members, with automated fire control and movement significantly increasing operator comfort.
The vehicle is equipped with modular armor that can be adapted to the required level of protection, as well as APS, supplemented by 360° situational awareness sensors. The digital architecture allows the sensors, fire control, and communication systems to be connected into a single integrated unit. The turret also offers the option of installing secondary armament – 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns and smoke grenade launchers.
Thanks to these modifications, the CV90120 with its new cannon can maintain firing accuracy comparable to that of heavier tanks, even in dynamic conditions.
Tactical and strategic advantages of the new version
The new CV90120 variant gives armies the ability to deploy a vehicle with tank firepower, but with the mobility and logistical simplicity of a light combat vehicle. Thanks to its lower weight, it can be deployed in a wider range of environments, is easier to transport by air or rail, and can be moved more quickly on the battlefield.
For armed forces that already operate CV90 vehicles, the new version means maximum unification – it uses the same parts, training procedures, and service infrastructure. This simplifies logistics and maintenance, reducing long-term operating costs.
From a tactical point of view, the CV90120 can be deployed as a direct fire support vehicle for infantry, a mobile means of destroying armored vehicles, or a rapid reserve for defending key areas. The combination of accurate fire, modern sensors, and active protection makes it a flexible tool for modern combat. If testing confirms the expected parameters, the Swedish-German CV90120 L44A1 LR could become the new standard in the light tank category and redefine the boundaries between direct fire support vehicles and main battle tanks.
