The Swedish CV90 armoured vehicle is gaining ground across Europe. Last week, three countries announced major new orders with manufacturer BAE Systems. Estonia and Lithuania each confirmed the purchase of 100 vehicles, while the Netherlands said it will invest between €1 billion and €2.5 billion in additional CV90’s.
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The orders are being placed through the so-called Nordic Initiative, a cooperation between Sweden, Norway, Finland, Lithuania, Estonia and the Netherlands. By buying together, the countries are able to reduce costs, both for the vehicles themselves and for long-term maintenance. The large number of CV90s ordered is expected to significantly strengthen Europe’s medium-weight military forces.
Unlike the Baltic states, the Netherlands did not disclose how many vehicles it plans to buy. The Dutch government cited operational security as one of the reasons. At the same time, existing Dutch CV90 vehicles will undergo a mid-life upgrade.
Many counties, one platform
The joint purchase reflects a wider European trend to invest more heavily in the European defence industry. The countries involved are looking for a widely used European platform that can be maintained and supported more easily across borders, improving readiness and efficiency.
‘A beast’
Europe currently operates a wide mix of different armoured vehicles and tanks. Joint procurement is seen as a way to increase standardisation on the battlefield.
The CV90 is also actively being used on the frontline in battle by Ukraine and is described by its crews as “a beast”. The vehicle has been given a score of nine out of ten by them because of its firepower, low breakdown rate, and its ability to survive multiple FPV drone attacks.
