Finland, Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, Estonia, and the Netherlands have signed an agreement to jointly procure CV90 IFVs. If implemented successfully, this would represent one of the most significant armored vehicle contracts in Europe to date.
The defense ministers of the participating nations signed a letter of intent outlining their commitment. The planned acquisition will include a standardized CV90 variant for all participants, along with training systems, ammunition, and spare parts.
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Such joint defense programs enable larger production runs, potentially reducing per-unit costs compared to individual national procurements while improving industrial capacity utilization. The agreement also supports the interoperability and standardization of equipment among NATO member states.
While the total number of IFVs to be procured has not been disclosed, Norway reportedly plans to purchase 80 CV90s. Other participating nations are expected to order similar quantities, and Finland’s Minister of Defense has indicated the project could cost "billions."
The CV90 is a highly capable IFV. Recent upgrades include a 35mm or 40mm cannon, advanced armor, modern optics, and integrated active protection systems. The vehicle is already in successful operational use in Ukraine and is expected to be fielded by 11 European countries in the coming years.
Regarding active protection systems, it is worth noting that current orders from other countries are slated to include the Israeli-made Iron Fist system, although this may change. Should more EU nations support Spain's recent decision to halt the production of Israeli Spike ATGMs, a European alternative might be sought for both ATGMs and APS solutions.
Defense ministers also announced plans for deeper cooperation aimed at attracting new partners and supporting Ukraine. This opens the possibility for additional deliveries of CV90s to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
It is important to emphasize that this remains a declaration of intent, serving as the foundation for further planning and negotiations on a potential joint procurement. Still, the number of interested countries has grown from four to six, with three new members joining. Denmark, for reasons not publicly disclosed, has not signed the letter of intent, although it may still do so in the future.
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