CV 9035NL – The Netherlands’ Modern Warrior

The CV 9035NL is a Dutch variant of the CV90 series Infantry Fighting Vehicle, produced by BAE Systems Hägglunds and developed from the Mk III platform. The vehicle was ordered by the Royal Netherlands Army in the early 2000s, with deliveries beginning around 2007. It is equipped with a 35 mm Bushmaster III automatic cannon and features advanced fire-control, thermals, and a laser rangefinder.

The CV 9035NL was introduced as a squadron vehicle for the French ground forces tree in update 2.39: Dance of the Dragons. It combines strong mobility, modern optics, and excellent firepower, while relying heavily on tactical positioning and concealment due to its thin armour.

Mobility

The CV 9035NL is based on the proven CV90 Mk III chassis, carrying forward the excellent off-road handling and drivetrain reliability characteristic of the CV90 family. It is powered by a Scania DSI 16 diesel engine that produces up to 815 horsepower at 2350 rpm, paired with a Perkins X-300 automatic transmission providing seven forward and four reverse gears. This configuration allows the vehicle to reach a top speed of 70 km/h on roads and up to 40 km/h in reverse, with impressive acceleration for its 34-ton weight class.

Thanks to this powerful engine and relatively moderate combat weight, the CV 9035NL boasts a solid power-to-weight ratio of around 24 hp/t. This gives it the agility needed to quickly change flanking positions, climb steep terrain, and evade counterfire. The neutral steering system enables the vehicle to pivot on the spot, allowing fast reorientation without losing momentum. Overall, the CV 9035NL maintains the same refined mobility and handling balance that have made the CV90 platform successful across multiple nations and terrain types.

Armour and Survivability

Like other members of the CV90 family, the CV 9035NL emphasizes mobility and advanced systems over raw armour protection. The vehicle’s hull and turret are constructed primarily of rolled homogeneous steel, providing effective defence against small arms fire and low-calibre autocannons. The front hull is further sloped to improve deflection angles and reduce the likelihood of direct penetrations, while RoofPRO and SidePRO modular applique panels are fitted to enhance protection against heavier rounds or fragments. These panels make sure that only little spall is created by most kinetic rounds in-game. On the inside there is also a spall liner applied throughout the tank, aiding in a lot of survivable first encounters.

Despite these measures, the CV 9035NL should not be relied upon to withstand sustained enemy fire. Heavy machine guns and autocannons can easily penetrate its sides, rear and sometimes even its front. However, the placement of the engine and transmission in the front section offers a degree of survivability against poorly aimed shots, as these components often absorb or deflect rounds before they reach the crew compartment. In addition, the internal layout, with three crew members spaced throughout the vehicle, reduces the likelihood of a single shot disabling the entire crew.

The CV 9035NL is also equipped with smoke grenade launchers and a Laser Warning System, enabling rapid concealment after firing or when retreating from a compromised position. While armour protection remains minimal, the vehicle’s mobility and smoke systems provide the necessary tools for survival through evasion and tactical awareness rather than brute strength. You will most likely survive the first shot, but by any second one you will have to use smoke and relocation to survive.

Firepower

The main armament of the CV 9035NL is the 35 mm Bushmaster III automatic cannon, developed by ATK (now Northrop Grumman). This powerful weapon provides a significant increase in firepower compared to earlier 30 mm variants of the CV90 family. The Bushmaster III can fire a wide variety of ammunition, including APDS and APFSDS rounds for engaging armoured targets, and HEI-T rounds for soft or lightly armoured opponents. In-game, it is fully stabilized, allowing accurate fire even while moving across rough terrain.

The cannon is fed by a dual-feed system, allowing the operator to switch between two ammunition types in under a second, depending on the situation. The ready rack contains 35 rounds, while additional ammunition is stored within the hull below the turret. The weapon’s rate of fire and ballistic performance make it especially effective at disabling light vehicles, aircraft, and exposed crew members with short, controlled bursts. Against main battle tanks, the 35 mm APFSDS ammunition can reliably penetrate side and rear armour, though frontal engagements should be avoided.

As a secondary weapon, the CV 9035NL is fitted with a coaxial 7.62 mm FN MAG machine gun with AP and T rounds, intended for use against infantry and soft targets.

Overall, the combination of stabilized fire control, fast targeting systems, and versatile ammunition gives the CV 9035NL the flexibility to operate effectively in both reconnaissance and support roles. It excels when used for flanking, ambushing, and target marking—key tasks for a modern infantry fighting vehicle on the digital battlefield.

Electronics and Optics

The CV 9035NL is equipped with a highly advanced suite of observation and targeting systems, reflecting the Dutch Army’s emphasis on modern digital integration. Both the gunner and commander benefit from third-generation thermal imaging, allowing the vehicle to detect and engage targets effectively in low-visibility conditions such as night operations, EES smoke, or rain. The gunner’s primary sight features a powerful day and thermal channel with high magnification of x8.0 and an FOV of 9°, while the commander’s independent panoramic sight offers a wide field of view (80°-12° at x1.0 and x6.0 zoom respectively), enabling quick target acquisition and situational awareness.

The vehicle is also equipped with a laser rangefinder integrated into the fire-control system, providing accurate range data for precise ballistic solutions. This combination of stabilized optics, thermal vision, and automated rangefinding allows the CV 9035NL to engage moving targets at medium to long ranges with remarkable precision.

In addition, the commander has access to override controls, meaning they can take over the turret and weapon systems if the gunner is incapacitated

Usage in Battle

The CV 9035NL is an infantry fighting vehicle designed for speed, precision, and situational dominance rather than raw firepower or protection. It performs best as a mobile support and reconnaissance platform, flaking is your best bet. It’s capable of scouting for allied tanks while delivering sustained autocannon fire from medium range.

When the battle begins, its excellent mobility allows it to reach flanking positions or forward ridgelines before most enemies. From there, it can use its thermals, drone and laser rangefinder/LWS to identify and engage exposed targets. The 35 mm Bushmaster III excels at disabling light vehicles, anti-aircraft systems, and even aircraft that stray too close and would often also go for flanking routes. Against heavier opponents, it is best to target their sides or rear. Frontal shots against MBTs will rarely be effective, especially against heavily armoured tanks like the USSR T-series.

Due to its thin armour, direct confrontations should be avoided at all costs. The CV 9035NL thrives when it strikes first and relocates immediately afterward. Use smoke grenades to obscure your retreat or to reposition safely after being spotted. The vehicle’s neutral steering and high reverse speed make disengagement quick and efficient, even in tight spaces.

The CV 9035NL also has the ability to scout and mark enemy targets for the team. Keeping a steady pace of scouting, repositioning, and selective engagements will maximize the vehicle’s impact on the battlefield. In-case your scouting ability is on cooldown you can use your 7.62 mm machine gun to hit/mark enemies instead.

In close-quarters or urban environments, you should act in a supporting role. Stay behind friendly MBTs, use cover, and exploit gaps in enemy lines to flank or distract. The stabilized gun and quick reload make it possible to deliver fast, accurate bursts even while on the move. This is perfect for catching lighter enemies off guard.