In a significant move toward regional defense integration, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Lithuania have announced plans to jointly procure several hundred CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, a Swedish-made armored vehicle produced by BAE Systems Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik.
The announcement was made during a press conference featuring Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, who emphasized the benefits of a coordinated procurement strategy. “The joint procurement will accelerate deliveries, reduce costs, and strengthen our defense industrial ties,” Kristersson said.
Strategic alliance amid rising regional tensions
The decision to deepen Nordic-Baltic military cooperation comes at a time of heightened geopolitical instability in Northern and Eastern Europe. While the exact cost of the acquisition has not been disclosed, the scale of the investment signals a substantial commitment to boosting collective defense capabilities.
The CV90 (Combat Vehicle 90) is a highly regarded platform designed for mobility, protection, and firepower, and is already in use by several European armed forces. This joint purchase is expected to further standardize military equipment among participating nations, facilitating interoperability in both peacetime operations and joint defense scenarios.
Declaration of interest to be signed this spring
According to SVT, a formal declaration of interest is expected to be signed by the participating countries during spring 2025. This step will likely pave the way for contract negotiations and detailed production planning.
While each country will retain national control over their respective fleets, the joint framework is designed to streamline logistics, maintenance, and training operations across borders, offering long-term strategic advantages.
A boost for Nordic defense industry
The initiative is also seen as a significant endorsement of Sweden’s defense manufacturing sector, with the order providing a boost to BAE Systems Hägglunds. As European nations reassess their defense postures, domestic production capabilities are gaining renewed importance, and the CV90 deal reinforces the strategic value of regional supply chains.
This evolving cooperation between Nordic and Baltic states underscores a shared commitment to mutual security, marking a new chapter in Northern Europe’s defense landscape.
