The Royal Netherlands Army is modernising its CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, giving them a completely new role on the battlefield. In addition to improved protection and electronic systems, the vehicle gets a capability it lacked until now: firing Spike missiles at targets, possibly also beyond direct line of sight. With this, the CV90 grows from a supporting infantry vehicle into a platform for long-range precision. Let us look at that in more detail.
The first modernised vehicles are returning to the operational units in phases. This allows the army to keep training, develop new tactics and train crews at the same time.
From infantry vehicle to precision weapon
The CV90 has long been a familiar sight within the mechanised infantry. The vehicle is designed to transport soldiers safely and support them directly with its onboard weapons. In today’s conflicts, however, the emphasis is shifting more and more from direct confrontation to information-driven operations.
With the modernisation, the Netherlands is responding to this. The CV90 gets renewed fire control, improved sensors and modern data links. This allows the vehicle not only to react faster, but also to work effectively with other units on the battlefield.
Video BAE: here the Spike missile is tested from an older CV90
Spike brings range and flexibility
The integration of the Spike missile is the most important change in substance. This missile can be used against targets outside the vehicle’s field of view. The CV90 therefore does not have to see the target itself to engage it.
Target designation can come from infantry, reconnaissance drones or other sensors. The information is shared digitally, after which the crew launches the missile. That considerably increases the unit’s reach and reduces the need to expose the vehicle to enemy fire.
Safer operations for crew and infantry
This way of operating changes the balance between risk and effect. The CV90 can provide fire support while staying at a distance itself, behind cover or outside the most threatened area. Infantry benefit from fast and heavy support without the vehicle having to operate right next to them.
For the crew this means more freedom of action and a greater chance of survival, especially in environments where anti-tank weapons and drones are a constant threat.
The manufacturer’s view
BAE Systems Hägglunds, the manufacturer of the CV90, sees the modernisation as a logical next step in the vehicle’s life. According to the manufacturer, the CV90 was deliberately designed as a flexible platform that can be adapted to new threats and technologies.
According to BAE Systems, the integration of Spike missiles fits a broader vision in which vehicles no longer operate on their own, but are part of a network of sensors, weapons and units. The vehicle thus increasingly acts as a link in a larger system, rather than as a stand-alone weapon system.
A new role in land operations
With Spike, the CV90 gets a task that goes beyond direct fire support. The vehicle can help take out enemy units at greater distance, before they can affect friendly operations. This increases the striking power of mechanised units and strengthens their role within larger operations.
In combination with drones and forward-operating infantry, a flexible whole emerges in which observing, deciding and firing follow each other ever more quickly.
Image Dutch Ministry of Defence: the old CV90 and the modern version side by side.
Phased introduction
The army has deliberately chosen a step-by-step introduction of the modernised CV90s. This allows training, maintenance and doctrine to adapt to the new capabilities. Crews learn not only to handle new technology, but also the associated tactics and cooperation within a digital network.
This approach makes it possible to retain existing capabilities while investing purposefully in the future.
More effect, without a new vehicle
The modernisation of the CV90 shows that big leaps in military capability do not always require an entirely new platform. By smartly adapting existing systems, a vehicle emerges that better meets the demands of modern warfare.
With its new sensors, network capabilities and long-range weapons, the CV90 now has a considerably greater reach — literally and figuratively. The result is an infantry fighting vehicle that needs to be less visible and can still act decisively.
