From idea to product. This brief sentence is not only the slogan of our company, KOVAL SYSTEMS, a. s., and an expression of what we do — it is also the reason why our work fulfills and inspires us. It is a unique feeling to witness ideas that once existed only on paper gradually become reality. And to see initial formal meetings with business partners transform into strong partnerships and stable cooperation. We revisited these memories repeatedly during yesterday’s ceremonial unveiling of the CV9035 MkIV vehicles designated for the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic.

The event took place on Friday, February 20, 2026, in the Swedish city of Örnsköldsvik, which is also home to BAE Systems Hägglunds — the manufacturer and supplier of the CV90. The important occasion was attended by an official Slovak delegation led by the Minister of Defence, Robert Kaliňák, who was welcomed by Sweden’s Minister for Defence, Pål Jonson.

Also present were key representatives of BAE Systems, including representatives of Slovak companies that have significantly contributed to the implementation of the entire project. Our company, KOVAL SYSTEMS, a. s., which joined the program through the production of turrets, was represented by Ján Michálek — Business Director and Chairman of the Board, and Tomáš Starec — Chief Executive Officer. Representatives of Slovak, Swedish, and European media were also in attendance.

“We are proud that the Slovak CV90 program is progressing according to plan, with effective industrial cooperation at its core,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, CEO of BAE Systems Hägglunds. “Slovakia has joined the family of nations operating the CV90 — a combat-proven platform serving several European armies.”

The Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic, Robert Kaliňák, also shared his impressions with the media. He highlighted the configuration and capabilities of the CV90 vehicles, as well as the level of cooperation with BAE Systems Hägglunds. He particularly praised our company, KOVAL SYSTEMS, a. s., for the quality and efficiency in manufacturing the CV90 turrets. “Thanks to this, the company has already become involved in additional contracts that Hägglunds is concluding with other countries,” he stated. The full interview with the Minister of Defence can be viewed at this link.

Our company’s Business Director and Chairman of the Board, Ján Michálek, also spoke to the media, describing the cooperation with the international defense manufacturer as excellent. “Our plan was to integrate as much as possible into the supply structures for BAE Systems. We are not only manufacturing for various programs and assembling for the Slovak program, but we are also participating in the development of a new type of vehicle,” he added. He considers the CV9035 MkIV model to be a state-of-the-art vehicle.

Yesterday’s ceremonial event represented a symbolic and successful culmination of a story that began in our company in 2022 with the signing of a contract with BAE Systems Hägglunds. We thus became part of a large team of renowned companies that, through mutual cooperation — not only with BAE Systems but also among themselves — are contributing to the most extensive modernization of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic in their history.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic and BAE Systems Hägglunds for the opportunity to participate in the ceremonial unveiling of the CV90 vehicle. At the same time, we thank BAE Systems and many other Slovak companies for their excellent cooperation and for the opportunity to contribute to a project of great importance for the security and defense capabilities of the Slovak Republic.

Special thanks go to our employees for their work and high level of dedication, which significantly contributed to the success of this international effort. And we also thank you — our readers — for allowing us to share with you the achievements and progress of the CV9035 MkIV project for the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic.