The Nordic nations of Denmark and Sweden have formalized a joint procurement agreement worth 25 billion SEK ($2.5 billion) with BAE Systems for the acquisition of 205 new Combat Vehicle 90 (CV9035 MKIIIC) Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs).
The contract was signed today by Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) with BAE Systems Hagglunds, the manufacturer of the CV90.
Under the agreement, Denmark will receive the majority of the vehicles, totaling 115, while Sweden will acquire 50 vehicles to replace units supplied to Ukraine. The remaining 40 vehicles will be sent to Kyiv, funded through earlier donations from both Denmark and Sweden, as announced by the Swedish Ministry of Defence (MoD).
“These investments will enable more Swedish combat vehicles to enhance security in Europe, particularly in Ukraine,” stated Pål Jonson, Sweden’s Minister of Defence. He emphasized the importance of the Swedish defense industry as a vital asset to national and collective defense capabilities.
In a supportive statement, Maj. Gen. Peter Boysen, Chief of the Royal Danish Army, highlighted that the new infantry fighting vehicles are crucial for the heavy brigade currently being established in Denmark. “The 115 new vehicles will significantly enhance Denmark’s contribution to collective security and international operations,” he noted, pointing out that this acquisition will increase their fleet to a total of 159 vehicles.
Sweden also acknowledged the CV90’s proven effectiveness in Ukraine, citing its high protection levels and operational success, including its ability to save soldiers’ lives during direct hits.
The CV9035 MKIIC is equipped with the latest turret technology, enhancing crew situational awareness, mobility, protection, and lethality against enemy forces. BAE Systems plans to build this turret to align with the upgrade currently in development for the Netherlands’ CV90 mid-life enhancement program.
This latest order follows an earlier contract between FMV and BAE Systems, signed in May for new CV9035 MkIIIC vehicles and integrated logistic support.
Additionally, discussions have been ongoing among Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden regarding the potential joint procurement of a future IFV, which may lead to new acquisitions in the 2030 to 2040 timeframe. Each of these nations currently operates the CV90, and Maj. Gen. Jonny Lindfors of the Swedish Army noted that it would make sense to purchase more, although other systems are also being considered.
To date, BAE Systems has received orders for 1,900 CV90 vehicles across 17 different variants, and the platform has been selected by 10 European countries. It has been utilized in various missions, including operations in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Liberia.
