Sweden, Germany, and UK Receive Next-Generation BvS10: Features and Capabilities Revealed

BAE Systems Hagglunds in Sweden has officially delivered the first three BvS10 armored vehicles to Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom as part of the Collaborative All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) program. This marks a significant milestone in a multinational effort to enhance mobility and operational readiness in extreme environments. The CATV initiative reflects a shared commitment among participating nations to modernize their ground forces with versatile and resilient platforms.

Photo: baesystems.com

A total of 663 BvS10 units are scheduled for production by 2028, with Sweden receiving 236 units, the United Kingdom 60 units, and Germany 140 units. Additionally, Germany has placed an extra order for 227 units, underscoring its confidence in the vehicle’s capabilities and its strategic importance. These figures highlight the scale and ambition of the CATV program, which aims to standardize and streamline all-terrain mobility across allied forces.

These vehicles are based on the latest iteration of the BvS10 currently in service with Sweden, incorporating enhancements drawn from operational feedback and evolving mission requirements. The updated design emphasizes improved survivability, greater payload capacity, and enhanced crew comfort, making it suitable for both combat and support roles. By leveraging Sweden’s experience with earlier models, the new BvS10 offers a refined balance of mobility, protection, and adaptability for multinational deployment.

The BvS10 is engineered for exceptional performance in the most challenging terrains, including snow-covered landscapes, muddy fields, mountainous regions, and flood-prone zones. Its amphibious capabilities further enhance its operational flexibility, allowing it to traverse water obstacles without external support. This makes the BvS10 an indispensable asset for missions requiring rapid deployment and sustained mobility in unpredictable conditions.

Designed with modularity in mind, the BvS10 comes in several variants tailored to specific operational roles. These include troop transport, logistics support, medical evacuation, vehicle recovery, and command and control configurations. Each variant is built to maintain high performance while adapting to the unique demands of its mission profile.

Mobility is a core strength of the BvS10, with climbing capabilities of up to 31 degrees and the ability to cross gaps greater than two meters. It can climb steps over one meter in height and maintain stability on slopes exceeding 35 degrees. The vehicle’s turning circle ranges from 11 to 14 meters, depending on pitch control, and its nominal ground pressure at gross vehicle weight is 25 kPa, allowing it to operate effectively on soft terrain.

The powertrain features a robust Cummins 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine, delivering 210 kW (285 horsepower) and 970 Nm of torque. Paired with an Allison automatic transmission offering six forward gears and one reverse, the BvS10 ensures smooth and reliable power delivery across diverse terrain. This combination of engine and transmission provides the necessary thrust and control for demanding operational scenarios.

Its electrical system operates on a 24V DC setup, supported by a 400A alternator to power onboard systems and auxiliary equipment. This ensures consistent electrical performance, even under heavy load or in remote environments. The integration of modern electrical architecture supports advanced communication, navigation, and mission-critical systems.

In terms of dimensions, the BvS10 measures 8.0 meters in length, 2.25 meters in width, and 2.45 meters in height. Its gross vehicle weight is 15,500 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 5.5 tons for the armored personnel carrier variant and 7.0 tons for the logistics variant. The crew configuration includes four personnel in the front cabin and up to eight in the rear, allowing for flexible deployment of troops and equipment.

Performance-wise, the BvS10 reaches a maximum speed of 65 km/h on land and 10 km/h in reverse, with a water speed of 4 km/h for amphibious operations. Its operational range extends up to 350 kilometers, enabling sustained missions without frequent refueling. The vehicle is built to function in extreme temperatures, from +49°C to -46°C, ensuring reliability in both desert and arctic climates.

Protection is another key feature of the BvS10, with basic ballistic shielding against small-arms fire and artillery threats. Enhanced protection options include add-on armor capable of withstanding rounds up to 14.5 mm, as well as optional liners for additional crew safety. This layered approach to protection allows operators to tailor the vehicle’s defenses to mission-specific threats.

Mine and improvised explosive device (IED) protection is also integrated, with basic safeguards against smaller anti-personnel mines. For higher-risk environments, enhanced protection can be added through deflector plates and other structural reinforcements. This ensures that the BvS10 remains a survivable platform in asymmetric warfare scenarios.

Weapon integration is highly customizable, with support for armaments ranging from 5.56 mm to 12.7 mm machine guns, as well as 40 mm automatic grenade launchers. This flexibility allows the BvS10 to serve in both offensive and defensive roles, adapting to the tactical needs of the battlefield. The vehicle’s design accommodates remote weapon stations and manual mounts, depending on user preference and mission requirements.

The delivery of the first BvS10 units under the CATV program signals a new era of interoperability and shared capability among European defense partners. By investing in a common platform, Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom are enhancing their collective readiness and operational cohesion. This collaboration sets a precedent for future joint procurement and development initiatives in the defense sector.

By Trap of War Staff