A group of six European countries has signed a statement of intent to explore a joint procurement of CV90 armored infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).
Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden signed the statement during a recent meeting of NATO defense ministers.
Finland’s defense ministry stated that the deal aligns with the country’s Government Defence Report and presents an opportunity to bolster its firepower and infantry mobility.
The agreement would also allow for the replacement of decommissioned equipment while significantly increasing the number of infantry vehicles amid the current threat environment.
Additionally, the countries are considering the joint procurement of training equipment, spare parts, and munitions for the CV90s.
“If it moves forward, the purchase of new armoured infantry fighting vehicles will be one of Finland’s largest and most important national defence projects in terms of both capability and money,” Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said.
“I would like to emphasise the importance of this kind of cooperation to the concrete arrangements for Finland’s defence. We are looking into the possibility of a joint procurement at exactly the right time,” he added.
CV90 in Europe
The CV90 IFV is a battle-tested platform designed for Nordic subarctic climates, capable of maneuvering through snow and wetlands while carrying six to eight soldiers.
Its European operators include Denmark and Switzerland, both of which have undertaken upgrade and life extension programs for their units.
In 2023, Sweden and Ukraine signed an agreement to jointly produce the IFVs, with Sweden also pledging 50 units to Ukraine.
