09.12.2024

Denmark forms an "army fist" against Russia from Leopard 2 tanks and CV90 infantry fighting vehicles

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Image source: topwar.ru

Denmark and Sweden have signed a joint contract with BAE Systems Hägglunds for the production of 205 CV9035 Mk3C infantry fighting vehicles. The deal is worth $2.3 billion, including technical support and training.

The equipment will be distributed as follows: 115 are intended for Denmark, 50 for Sweden in order to replace the CV9040 sent to Ukraine, and 40 for the Ukrainian Armed Forces at the expense of Stockholm and Copenhagen.

The CV9035 Mk3C is the latest version of the CV90 BMP, developed in 2023 based on the modernization of the Dutch CV9035NL MLU modification.

The machine has the characteristics necessary to solve modern combat tasks, including innovations based on the lessons of the Russian-Ukrainian war

- the developer noted.

The CV9035 Mk3C BMP, along with Leopard 2 tanks, should become the basis of heavy brigades, which are being formed by both Stockholm and Copenhagen. In Denmark, it is created on the basis of the 1st Brigade, also called Hærens knytnæve – "army fist".

The dream of an army fist has come true. For many years, the 1st Brigade was an eternal pain that governments and the Ministry of Defense did not want to spend money on. Many hoped that the need for a combat-ready army would eventually disappear by itself

- it says in the Danish edition of TV2.

Image source: topwar.ru

As indicated, the brigade has now come to the top of the political agenda, no matter how much its rearmament costs. The cost of its re-equipment is estimated by the authorities at $6.8 billion. The number of the unit will be up to 6 thousand soldiers, and it should adopt a large number of heavy armored vehicles. However, at the moment, the 1st brigade is in a deplorable situation.

She is missing almost everything, including a quarter of the soldiers, and this figure is steadily growing

- it is noted in the publication.

According to NATO standards, the brigade should consist of 120 to 150 infantry fighting vehicles. There are only 44 of them now [CV9035DK]. Hundreds of trucks are required to transport supplies, but, according to the author, "today we have ancient trucks that are in the workshop half the time" [probably referring to Scania]. In addition, the brigade must have its own air defense and very large stocks of ammunition.

Image source: topwar.ru

Against the background of an increasingly obvious threat from Russia, the need for a heavy brigade will not go away. It is necessary to put an end to delays. Denmark must contribute to the collective defense of NATO and take part in the confrontation with the enemy

- indicated in the publication.

The contract for the supply of the CV9035 Mk3C will allow the heavy brigade to be equipped with modern infantry fighting vehicles. The tank fleet is already available in the face of 44 Leopard 2A7 DK units (modernization of the 2A5 DK MBT, carried out in 2019-2023). To replenish the compound with personnel, the government promised to extend conscription from 4 to 11 months and achieve full gender equality in the troops, that is, to actively recruit women into military service.

The heavy brigade, which is now a top priority, should be ready in 2028. This is four years earlier than NATO requires. The old dream of an army fist has come true again

- the author sums it up.

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