WARSAW, Poland — Slovakia is preparing to acquire new battle tanks for its military. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák has announced that the Slovak Ministry of Defence is considering the CV90120, a light tracked vehicle, as a potential option.
Local opposition politicians are skeptical, raising concerns that the Slovak defense budget is already under strain, and the funding for such acquisitions might be at risk. Last year, Slovakia unveiled plans to obtain new tanks, with intentions to purchase up to 104 vehicles.
The CV90120 is made by BAE Systems Hägglunds and will compete against other tracked vehicles under consideration by the Slovak ministry. These options reportedly include new Leopard 2A8 tanks from the German manufacturer KNDS, as well as used 2A4s, an older Leopard variant that Slovakia’s defense industry would modernize.
Kaliňák asserts that purchasing CV90120s would be significantly less expensive compared to acquiring Leopard 2A8s, which the neighboring Czech Republic is pursuing. Since declaring independence in 1993, Slovakia has not bought new tanks, indicating a pressing need to replace its outdated Soviet-designed T-72M1s. Germany recently transferred 15 Leopard 2A4 tanks to Slovakia after the nation donated its BVP-1 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine.
Jaroslav Naď, former defense minister of Slovakia and current chair of the opposition Demokrati (Democrats) party, noted that during his term, a deal to purchase 152 CV90 MkIV vehicles was signed. Bratislava analyzed the possible benefits of utilizing the same platform for its light tank requirements.
Naď described the CV90120 as an appealing option due to its shared platform with the CV90, although it features a different cannon. He noted that while the CV90120 is lighter than the heavy Leopard tanks, which weigh about twice as much, the cost difference is likely not as substantial as Kaliňák claims. Naď warned that the defense budget faces potential cuts of €700 million (approximately $718 million) in 2025, according to documents from the government’s Finance Ministry.
Defense News has reached out to the Slovak Ministry of Defence for further comments.
*Jaroslaw Adamowski is the Poland correspondent for Defense News.*
