BAE Systems and VOP CZ have partnered in a contract bid to replace the Czech Republic's BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle with BAE's CV90.

The teaming offers the prospect of long-term industrial cooperation that will benefit VOP CZ and the Czech defense industry, BAE Systems said.

"BAE Systems is committed to building a strong working partnership with VOP CZ and Czech industry," said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, president of BAE Systems Hagglunds. "The agreement with VOP CZ will create a strong team to support the Czech Armed Forces for many years ahead."

The CV90 carries eight soldiers in addition to its three-person crew and is armed with a cannon, machine gun and grenade launcher. It has a speed of about 43 miles per hour and an operational range of nearly 199 miles.

BAE Systems is the design authority and manufacturing lead for the CV90, one of the most modern IFVs on the market and currently in production.

VOP CZ specializes in integrating and supplying modern defense equipment and systems to the Czech military.

"The partnership with BAE Systems is a great opportunity for cooperation with one of the biggest defense companies worldwide," Marek Spok, managing director of VOP CZ, said. "VOP CZ offers the highest level of technology, development and production capacity for this project so we are well positioned to fulfil the needs of the Czech Army."