CV90120 Light Tank Upgraded with L44A1 120mm Gun for Full MBT Firepower

Defense Feeds – The CV90120 Light Tank upgraded by BAE Systems Hägglunds and Rheinmetall Weapon and Ammunition features the advanced Rheinmetall L44A1 120 mm low-recoil (LR) gun, combining the agility of a light tracked vehicle with the firepower of a modern main battle tank (MBT). 

Under the agreement signed on October 8, 2025, this upgraded CV90120 prototype, based on the proven CV90 Mk IV chassis, aims to deliver tank-level lethality in a 35–37 tonne class, while reducing structural load and improving deployment flexibility.

The CV90120 Light Tank upgraded with the L44A1 gun can use standard NATO 120×570 mm ammunition, helping simplify training and logistics for armed forces already operating this caliber.

L44A1 Gun: Proven NATO Caliber with Next-Gen Upgrades

The Rheinmetall L44 series remains one of NATO’s most widely deployed tank gun families.

The L44A1 is an evolution of the original L/44 120 mm cannon, featuring enhanced steel alloys, reinforced components, and a redesigned recoil mechanism to handle higher internal pressures.

These improvements extend barrel service life and ensure compatibility with modern high-pressure rounds such as the DM63A1 and DM73 kinetic energy projectiles.

This new version maintains the same 44-caliber length, approximately 5.28 meters, allowing it to deliver muzzle velocities close to 1,650 meters per second.

In firing trials, the gun can launch programmable multi-mode ammunition, including the DM11 high-explosive round, which offers airburst, delay, and point-detonation modes effective up to 5,000 meters.

For kinetic engagements, the DM63A1 can penetrate over 600 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) at 2,000 meters, providing the CV90120 with tank-killing potential despite its lighter frame.

By integrating a low-recoil mechanism, Rheinmetall has managed to reduce the impulse transmitted to the turret structure, allowing the cannon to operate effectively on lighter chassis.

The design employs longer recoil travel and optimized buffer systems, balancing energy absorption without compromising range or precision.

CV90120: Light Platform Built for Heavy Firepower

The upgraded CV90120 variant features reinforced mountings, strengthened suspension, and an autoloader-based turret built to manage the L44A1 gun’s demands.

Its Scania diesel power unit provides 1,000 horsepower, pushing the tank to speeds up to 70 km/h on the road or 40 km/h in reverse.

Despite carrying nearly 50 rounds of ready and reserve ammunition, it retains a relatively compact profile at 6.6 meters in length, 3.3 meters in width, and 2.8 meters in height.

The combination of high mobility and substantial firepower turns the CV90120 into a flexible battlefield asset.

Its weight advantage enables easier air and rail transport while providing the firepower normally reserved for heavy armored formations.

The autoloader supports firing rates of 6 to 10 rounds per minute, enabling sustained engagements and rapid target re-engagement.

Reduced Recoil, Extended Reach and Greater Mobility

Rheinmetall’s low-recoil gun technology is at the core of this innovation. By optimizing energy absorption, the CV90120 can achieve consistent accuracy without the structural mass of a 60-ton MBT.

The enhanced recoil buffers and modular muzzle brake options spread firing loads more evenly across the turret, minimizing fatigue and increasing gun alignment stability.

In addition to firepower, the CV90120 incorporates advanced survivability features. Active damping suspension, modular armor packages, and an integrated Active Protection System (APS) are tailored to withstand modern threats.

Its digital fire control suite can program advanced munitions like the DM11, while integrated sensors improve long-range targeting and situational awareness.

Together, these advancements allow the CV90120 to perform direct fire support, anti-armor, and urban combat roles all within a lighter, more agile frame.

Rheinmetall’s L44A1 low-recoil cannon integrated with the CV90 platform from BAE Hägglunds exemplifies the future of armored warfare, emphasizing mobility, precision targeting, and operational flexibility above pure tonnage.