The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a significant contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) for the delivery of PROTECTOR RS4 remote weapon stations, a crucial upgrade for the Swedish Army’s armored fleet including several variants of the Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90). The contract is valued at over SEK 400 million, with options for expansion to equip additional platforms across the army’s vehicle inventory.
According to KONGSBERG, the new contract strengthens Sweden’s ongoing effort to modernize its mechanized forces, ensuring the army benefits from next-generation firepower, improved crew protection, and advanced digital targeting capabilities.
A Modernized PROTECTOR RS4 for a Modernizing Army
The PROTECTOR RS4 represents a substantial upgrade over Sweden’s existing PROTECTOR Nordic variant.
Key enhancements include:
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Integrated multi-spectral sensors for improved situational awareness
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Support for multiple weapon systems, including heavy machine guns and grenade launchers
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Extended engagement ranges with enhanced fire-control accuracy
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Remote operation from within the vehicle, improving survivability
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Modular architecture allows for future upgrades
The RS4’s integration aligns with Sweden’s requirement to deploy remote-controlled weapon systems across at least three CV90 variants, as well as future vehicle programs.
KONGSBERG’s systems are already fielded in the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) 300 program and the Archer 8×8 artillery system—demonstrating strong Swedish confidence in the PROTECTOR family.
CV90: A Proven Workhorse Undergoing Continuous Evolution
First introduced in the early 1990s, the CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (Stridsfordon 90) is the backbone of Sweden’s mechanized brigades. Developed jointly by Hägglunds (now BAE Systems Hägglunds) and the Swedish Armed Forces, the CV90 has evolved through multiple generations and is widely considered one of Europe’s most successful armored vehicle families.
Historic Milestones of the CV90 Program
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1993: First production CV9040 delivered to Sweden
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2000s: Export success expands across Europe (Norway, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Estonia, Switzerland)
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2010s: Introduction of advanced models with active protection, improved armor, and digital battlefield integration
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2020s: Modernization to meet high-end warfare requirements, including 5th-generation upgrades and sensor fusion
The CV90 platform has proven adaptable for diverse missions—IFV, reconnaissance, command & control, anti-aircraft, and fire-support configurations.
Swedish Army Modernization: Building a Mechanized Force for 2030 and Beyond
Sweden’s latest defense reforms—driven by increased regional security challenges and the country’s NATO accession—have accelerated modernization across the army.
The RS4 procurement directly feeds into several major initiatives:
1. Strengthening Mechanized Brigades
The Swedish Army is expanding and reorganizing its brigade structure, requiring upgraded IFVs capable of network-centric warfare.
2. Enhancing Lethality and Survivability
Remote weapon stations reduce crew exposure while enabling precise, high-tempo engagements under armor.
3. Digital Battlefield Integration
The PROTECTOR RS4’s advanced sensor suite supports Sweden’s shift toward a fully integrated battlefield, enabling:
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Real-time situational awareness
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Shared targeting data
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Coordinated fires with artillery, drones, and reconnaissance assets
4. CV90 Mid-Life Upgrades (MLU)
The new RWS is part of a wider modernization package expected to include:
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Upgraded armor modules
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New battlefield management systems
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Enhanced turret stabilization
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Active protection systems (APS)
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Improved power generation for electronic subsystems
This ensures the CV90 remains competitive against rising threats such as drones, loitering munitions, and advanced ATGMs.
A Strategic Investment in Sweden’s Armored Future
The acquisition demonstrates Sweden’s long-term commitment to maintaining a technologically superior fighting force. By equipping its armored fleet with KONGSBERG’s latest weapon stations, the Swedish Army positions itself to meet evolving security challenges across Northern Europe and NATO’s northern flank.
With further options included in the contract, Sweden may expand PROTECTOR RS4 deployment beyond the CV90—potentially integrating the system into next-generation vehicles and modernization programs.
