Lithuania and Nordic nations contemplate joint acquisition of CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
In a significant move towards modernized, interoperable forces, a group of Northern and Baltic European countries are coordinating the acquisition of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The participating nations include Lithuania, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and the Netherlands. This regional and NATO-aligned defense modernization effort aims to enhance military interoperability, operational readiness by 2030, and build a resilient defense-industrial base within NATO.
The CV90 IFV, developed in Sweden in the early 1990s, is a tracked vehicle known for its combination of firepower, mobility, and protection. The latest versions feature advanced armor, modular turrets that can mount weapons up to 120mm, and digital command systems. It has seen operational use in multiple European armies and has been combat-tested in Ukraine against modern Russian threats.
The exact figures for the multinational procurement have not been publicly disclosed as of August 2025. However, discussions emphasize the dual-track approach of military necessity and economic benefit, including potential relocation of assembly lines to Lithuania, which would generate jobs and integrate Lithuania deeper into NATO's industrial ecosystem.
The potential impact of this coordinated acquisition on European defense procurement includes strengthened NATO interoperability by standardizing equipment among several northern European NATO members. It also enhances operational capabilities of the Baltic and Nordic countries against contemporary threats, regional industrial cooperation that can improve supply chain resilience and economic integration within NATO, increased bargaining power in defense procurement, and a contribution to Lithuania’s and the region’s goal of achieving full military operational readiness by 2030 with modernized forces.
The Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, announced the potential coordinated acquisition last October, stating that it could set an example for other European countries. He also mentioned that Sweden and Lithuania are raising their military spending to fund the purchase. The prime minister emphasized that decisions regarding the number of CV90 IFVs to be purchased are still pending, but discussions are underway about acquiring several hundred vehicles.
The prime minister also highlighted the benefits of a coordinated procurement, mentioning that it would speed up deliveries, reduce costs, and benefit defense industrial ties. He noted that the CV90 IFVs are quite costly but emphasized the military necessity and economic benefits of the acquisition. The prime minister also suggested that this initiative could be a showcase for future procurements in Europe.
Last October, the Lithuanian State Defence Council decided to purchase around 100 Swedish CV90 IFVs, marking a significant step towards modernized, interoperable forces combined with industrial cooperation that reinforces NATO’s strategic posture and defense industry in the region. This coordinated CV90 procurement represents a significant step for Northern and Baltic European countries towards their shared goal of enhancing defense capabilities and strengthening NATO's presence in the region.
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