Slovakia holds trials of BMP replacement

Slovakia has held trials of the three contenders to replace its BMP IFVs: the Rheinmetall Landsysteme Lynx KF41F (left), the General Dynamics European Land Systems-Santa Bárbara Sistemas ASCOD (centre), and the BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90 (right). (Slovak MoD)

Slovakia has held trials of three contenders to replace its BMP infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on its website on 11 May. Competing at the Military Technical and Testing Institute (VTSÚ) in Záhorie were the Rheinmetall Landsysteme Lynx KF41F, the General Dynamics European Land Systems-Santa Bárbara Sistemas ASCOD, and the BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90.

The three vehicles underwent firing and ergonomic tests, their driving characteristics were tested, and there was an evaluation of how they matched Slovak military requirements. The vehicles' main armament was test-fired against different static and moving targets at different ranges. Their driving characteristics, vehicle dynamics, and manoeuvrability were tested on and off road, as was their ability to overcome obstacles.

The results will be incorporated into a feasibility study to be published at the end of May and submitted to the Slovak government for a recommendation tentatively planned for the end of 2022.

The contenders are offering Slovak industry involvement if their IFV is selected.

Slovakia has budgeted EUR1.7 billion (USD1.77 billion) to procure 152 new IFVs.