The CV90 combat vehicle programme is an extensive industrial undertaking that goes far beyond the manufacture of combat vehicles themselves. It encompasses a wide range of technologies, systems and specialised solutions, with Slovak companies playing an active role in their development and delivery.

More than 30 domestic companies are involved in the CV9035 MkIV programme for the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic. Their participation accounts for more than 40% of the programme's value. Slovak industry is therefore not merely a supplier of individual components; it also contributes to the development and integration of complex systems while strengthening its own manufacturing, engineering and technological capabilities.

KOVAL SYSTEMS is one example of this progress.

From Turret Manufacturing to the Development of an Automatic Loading System

KOVAL SYSTEMS' involvement in the CV90 programme covers several technologically demanding activities. For the CV9035 MkIV infantry fighting vehicles, we manufacture mechanical turret components and carry out complete turret assembly. Our involvement also extends into development activities related to the CV90120 platform.

In cooperation with BAE Systems Hägglunds, we have developed an automatic loading system for Rheinmetall Waffe Munition's 120 mm cannon. Our activities also include the manufacture of the CV90120 turret shell. The development of the automatic loading system represents a significant expansion of our technical expertise. Our role is no longer limited to manufacturing and the complete assembly of mechanical units; it also includes the development of a complex technological solution designed for a modern weapon system.

Projects of this kind require not only manufacturing facilities and advanced equipment, but also engineering expertise, precision and close cooperation with technology partners.

Technologies That Enhance Vehicle Capabilities

Slovak companies are also involved in the development and supply of other specialised systems within the CV90 programme.

EVPÚ, based in Nová Dubnica, is developing and supplying the CMS-1 multisensor panoramic commander's sight for Slovak CV90 vehicles. It enables observation and target identification in various conditions. Its deliveries also include the LAWAREC laser warning system, which detects laser illumination of the vehicle. EVPÚ is also responsible for the development and manufacture of a dozer blade for specialised CV90 variants, including its integration into the vehicle's control architecture.

These solutions demonstrate that the involvement of domestic companies also extends to specialised electronics, sensor systems and technological assemblies that directly contribute to the capabilities of the finished vehicle.

Advanced Simulators for Crew Training

The preparation of future crews is another important part of the programme. In cooperation with BAE Systems Hägglunds, Virtual Reality Media (VRM) is developing two types of training simulators for CV9035 MkIV vehicles for the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic.

The first is a comprehensive tactical vehicle simulator featuring driver, gunner and commander stations mounted on a motion platform. The second is a dedicated turret crew simulator designed for practising gunnery procedures, crew coordination and the tactical use of weapon systems.

The objective is to replicate the vehicle's behaviour, controls, sensor equipment and combat systems as accurately as possible. This allows crews to undergo realistic training in a safe environment and practise scenarios that would be difficult or economically inefficient to repeat under real-world conditions. Simulation-based training also makes it possible to objectively assess the performance of individual crew members and the crew as a whole, while enabling training regardless of weather conditions.

CV90120: Bringing Manufacturing, Development and Integration Together

The development of the CV90120 variant further illustrates the breadth of technological expertise involved in the CV90 programme. It brings together engineering, mechanical, electronic and systems integration activities, all aimed at creating a fully functional weapon system.

Its three main elements are the turret, the 120 mm cannon and the automatic loading system. Integrating these components is a technologically demanding task, as they must not only function correctly on their own but also communicate reliably as part of a single system.

In this context, Tarkan Turkcan, Head of the CV90 platform at BAE Systems Hägglunds, emphasises: “At this stage, it is not just about mechanically installing the components. We need to ensure that the cannon, automatic loading system and turret electronics communicate properly with each other.”

Projects of this kind demonstrate the importance of cooperation between manufacturing and development partners. The resulting solution requires coordination across several areas of expertise and the ability to integrate mechanical, electronic and control systems.

One Programme, Growing Capabilities for Slovak Industry

The CV90 programme provides participating Slovak companies with an opportunity to develop capabilities in areas that go beyond traditional mechanical engineering and manufacturing. These range from mechanical components and complete assembly to sensor and electronic systems, simulators and the development of automatic loading systems.

For KOVAL SYSTEMS, it also represents a continuation of a path in which manufacturing and assembly experience is increasingly combined with engineering development and technological cooperation on complex solutions.

From Idea to Product. This also describes the path taken by Slovak companies within the CV90 programme – from individual manufacturing tasks to contributing to the development and integration of technologically advanced systems.

Want to find out more? A more detailed overview of the CV90 programme, the technological solutions developed by Slovak companies and their involvement in development is available in the original article published by Future Army. You can read it by clicking this link.

Source: Future Army, 6 November 2026.
Photo: Future Army, 6 November 2026.