Ukrainian soldiers praise CV90's stealth and durability in combat
"Our experience with the CV90 has been overwhelmingly positive. The key factors are its armor and firepower. The armor is exceptionally resilient, capable of withstanding direct hits from lances, FPV, and even a 120mm round at the rear," shared a commander from the 21st Mechanized Brigade during an interview with Army TV.
Ukrainians commend the CV90's durability
Despite some skepticism on social media regarding the Ukrainian soldiers' views on the CV90, defense analyst Jarosław Wolski explains that Ukraine received the Strf9040C iteration, specially fortified by Sweden for combat roles. These versions come equipped with enhanced armor and optics, offering unparalleled resistance comparable to the M2A2 Bradley tanks equipped with BRAT armor.
Wolski has previously expressed admiration for Swedish military technology, notably the Stridsvagn 122 tank, which he lauds as “the finest and most heavily armored tanks in Ukraine’s possession,” following its significant upgrade from the German Leopard 2A5 to include stronger roof and side protection along with more resilient fuel tanks.
The Barracuda camouflage's effectiveness in Ukraine
A significant feature of the CV90 armored infantry vehicles is their Barracuda camouflage, designed by the Saab group, which effectively reduces the vehicles' thermal signature. This advancement makes them substantially harder to detect by enemy surveillance, offering a strategic advantage.
"The camouflage shields the vehicle from night vision and thermal imaging, reducing its visibility by about 70% compared to other vehicles," stated a Ukrainian crew commander.
Besides stealth, the offensive capabilities of the CV90s are noteworthy, featuring a turret armed with a Bofors 40 mm cannon. Powered by 407 kW engines from Scania, these vehicles can reach speeds close to 70 km/h (around 43 mph).
The modernity and effectiveness of the CV90 have not gone unnoticed by the opposition, with reports indicating that Russian forces prioritize targeting these vehicles. Capturing one is seen as a significant victory.
Approximately 50 units of the CV9040C model have been delivered to Ukraine so far. At the start of the year, Kyiv indicated an interest in acquiring up to 1,000 more units.
