Six European countries have signed a statement of intent to explore and potentially initiate a collective acquisition process for the Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) armoured infantry fighting vehicles (IVF).
The agreement was signed by Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, and in conjunction with the Nato ministers of defence meeting on 5 June 2025. This prospective procurement aligns with strategic defence objectives as outlined in respective Government Defence Reports.
The proposed acquisition aims to enhance the infantry’s operational capabilities by improving both firepower and manoeuvrability. It also addresses the need to replace aging equipment due for decommissioning while substantially bolstering the number of combat vehicles available in response to current security challenges.
The package under consideration also encompasses training systems, spare parts, and ammunition.
By combining their purchasing power and requirements, the participating nations anticipate achieving economies of scale, ensuring compatibility between their forces, fostering interoperability within allied operations, and securing a more reliable supply chain for their defence needs.
Finland Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said: “When looking to the Army’s future capabilities, it is important to work together to seek cost effectiveness in major equipment purchases like this, without compromising on quality and capability.”
In addition, this agreement opens avenues for deeper collaboration on other CV90 products and explores supporting Ukraine with CV90 fighting vehicles. It also allows for the possibility of additional countries joining the project.
The Finnish defence industry may also gain opportunities through participation in this multinational procurement process.
According to Finland Ministry of Defence, it is anticipated that within a few years, 11 European nations will operate the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle.
Finland also plans to adopt a variant similar to that used by five other countries, should this joint procurement proceed. Key features for this variant will be the three other European states.
“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. The project would be on the order billions of euros. 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,” Antti Häkkänen added.
The CV90 is a family of armoured combat vehicles developed by BAE Systems Land Systems Hägglunds (formerly Alvis Hägglunds) of Örnsköldsvik and Saab Bofors Dynamics of Karlskoga, Sweden.
The infantry fighting vehicle is claimed to be compatible with various armaments, sights, and fire control systems to meet mission requirements.
In March 2025, BAE Systems Hägglunds contracted Clavister, a Swedish cybersecurity company, to provide its CyberArmour products for integration into the CV90 IVF.
