A collective agreement has been reached among six European nations to consider the joint procurement of CV90 armored infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The countries involved in this initiative—Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden—formalized their intentions during a recent meeting of NATO defense ministers.
Finland’s defense ministry highlighted that this collaborative effort aligns with the Government Defence Report, presenting a significant opportunity to enhance military firepower and improve infantry mobility. The proposed agreement not only aims to replace decommissioned military equipment but also seeks to boost the total inventory of infantry vehicles in light of the escalating threat environment within the region.
Furthermore, the nations are exploring the procurement of associated training equipment, spare parts, and munitions for the CV90s. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen underscored the potential impact of this initiative, stating that if realized, the procurement would represent one of Finland’s most substantial national defense projects, both in terms of capability enhancement and financial investment.
Häkkänen emphasized the importance of this cross-national cooperation in advancing Finland’s defense arrangements, noting that the timing for such a joint procurement is particularly strategic.
The CV90 IFV, heavily tested in combat, is uniquely designed for operation in Nordic subarctic climates, enabling it to effectively navigate challenging terrains such as snow and wetlands while transporting six to eight soldiers. In addition to the six nations considering joint procurement, the CV90 has found operators in Denmark and Switzerland, both of whom have initiated upgrade and life extension programs for their existing fleets.
In a significant development earlier this year, Sweden and Ukraine entered into an agreement to produce the CV90s collaboratively, with Sweden committing to deliver 50 units to support Ukraine’s defense efforts. This partnership underscores the growing trend of collaborative military procurement in Europe, especially in response to shifting security dynamics on the continent.
