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Lithuania Discusses Acquisition of CV-90 Armored Vehicles with Swedish Manufacturer BAE Systems Hägglunds.
On December 19, 2024, Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence, Dovilė Šakalienė, met with representatives from Swedish manufacturer BAE Systems Hägglunds to discuss the acquisition of CV-90 tracked armored vehicles (IFVs) and potential cooperation with Lithuania’s defense industry.
The CV-90 is a tracked infantry fighting vehicle designed to transport troops and provide fire support in conflict zones. (Picture source: Lithuanian MoD)
Minister Šakalienė emphasized the urgency of the acquisition process, highlighting the need for swift and effective implementation, as well as timely delivery of the IFVs, considering the current security climate. "Lithuania’s goal is to achieve full operational capability for its national division by 2030, and IFVs are an essential component of this effort," stated the minister following the meeting. She also stressed the country’s ambition to establish a long-term, sustainable industrial partnership with BAE Systems Hägglunds, integrating Lithuania into the supply chains of the CV-90 program while ensuring effective maintenance and servicing of these vehicles within the country.
Additionally, the Lithuanian government has recently increased the defense borrowing limit to EUR 800 million for 2025, signaling strong political and financial support for the acquisition and cooperation with the Swedish manufacturer. The minister assured the BAE Systems delegation that Lithuania would fully support the cooperation if the negotiations align with the country’s national interests.
The CV-90 is a tracked infantry fighting vehicle designed to transport troops and provide fire support in conflict zones. Entering service in 1983 and produced by BAE Systems in Sweden, it is highly regarded for its robustness and versatility in the field. The vehicle is designed to carry a crew of three, with the capacity to transport up to eight infantrymen, providing mobile and effective support during ground operations.
The CV-90 is equipped with features that make it particularly suitable for combat missions in various environments. It has a turret that can rotate 360°, offering high maneuverability and flexibility during engagements. Additionally, the weapon elevation ranges from -10° to +45°, enabling the vehicle to target effectively at different distances and heights. This capability is critical for quick responsiveness to changing threats on the battlefield.
The vehicle measures 6.47 meters in length, 3.19 meters in width, and 2.5 meters in height, with a total weight of 22,800 kg, allowing it to move with great agility while being sufficiently armored to survive in hostile environments. Although designed in Sweden, the CV-90 is used by several countries, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and Ukraine, where it continues to play a key role in enhancing defense capabilities. Its combination of mobility, firepower, and protection makes it a central element in the armed forces of these nations.
Lithuania's Baltic neighbors, namely Estonia and Latvia, are actively pursuing modernization programs for their armies to strengthen their defense capabilities in response to the Russian threat. Estonia is focusing on acquiring new artillery systems and armored vehicles while investing in cyber capabilities and electronic warfare. Latvia, on the other hand, has invested in armored vehicles, particularly the CV90 IFVs, and has modernized its military equipment to improve its mobility and ability to handle asymmetric conflicts. In Lithuania, the modernization program includes the acquisition of tracked CV-90 armored vehicles as part of a partnership with Sweden and other Nordic countries. Comparatively, the three armies operate different IFV models, but the CV-90, used by both Lithuania and Latvia, is undoubtedly one of the most modern and well-equipped for complex combat missions. Estonia, however, uses the wheeled Pasi armored vehicle, which is less specialized than tracked models but remains effective for rapid mobility and deployment across varied terrains.
Lithuania is set to join Finland, Sweden, and Norway in the CV-90 acquisition program. However, the model and terms of industrial cooperation must be approved by all participating countries. The negotiations are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, marking the next step in strengthening Lithuania’s defense capabilities.