Netherlands Joins Denmark and Sweden to Build CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles for Ukraine.

According to a report published by the Dutch news website "NOS" on June 7, 2024, the Netherlands will collaborate with Denmark and Sweden to manufacture CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) for Ukraine. This initiative involves an allocation of €400 million to a Swedish fund dedicated to producing these originally Swedish-designed vehicles.
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Swedish-donated CV9040 IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle in service with the Ukrainian army.  (Picture source: Wikimedia)

Sweden has delivered 50 CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to Ukraine. This donation was part of a larger package of military aid that also included other equipment, such as Archer artillery systems. The delivery of these CV90s was officially announced earlier in the year, and the vehicles have already been spotted on the battlefield in regions like Donetsk​.

Additionally, on December 18, 2023, the defense ministers of Sweden and Denmark signed a joint declaration to send more CV90s to Ukraine. Denmark is contributing financially to this effort, with an initial commitment of DKK 1.8 billion (approximately $264 million)​.

The CV90 version delivered to Ukraine is primarily the CV9040 variant. It is armed with a 40mm Bofors L/70 autocannon, which delivers high firepower and is effective against both ground and air targets. This cannon, coupled with advanced fire control systems, ensures high accuracy and lethality in various combat scenarios. Additionally, the vehicle can be equipped with a coaxial machine gun and anti-tank guided missiles, enhancing its versatility and ability to engage a wide range of threats.

The CV9040 features robust armor that protects against small arms fire, shell splinters, and other battlefield threats. Its advanced mobility system, including a powerful engine and sophisticated suspension, allows it to navigate difficult terrains, maintaining speed and maneuverability easily. This combination of firepower, protection, and mobility makes the CV9040 a highly effective platform for modern mechanized infantry operations, capable of delivering and sustaining combat power in diverse operational environments​.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Netherlands has played a crucial role in supporting Ukraine both militarily and humanitarian. The Dutch government has provided extensive military aid, amounting to over €2.63 billion, which includes weapons, training, equipment, and other supplies necessary for the Ukrainian armed forces. In 2023 alone, the Netherlands pledged €2.5 billion in aid, with nearly €2 billion allocated for military assistance. For 2024, an additional €1 billion was committed, bringing the total for that year to €3 billion. Furthermore, €3 billion has been earmarked for 2025​.

The Netherlands has provided Ukraine with a variety of combat vehicles and weapons, including surface-to-air missile systems. In April 2023, the Netherlands delivered two Patriot launchers and missiles for the Patriot SAM launchers, with additional missiles pledged in October 2023. In November 2022, the Netherlands also supplied twelve AIM-120 AMRAAMs for NASAMS II.

In terms of anti-aircraft capabilities, the Netherlands committed to delivering 100 MR-2 mobile anti-aircraft guns, purchased from Czechia, and 20 Bofors 40L70s, which began arriving from March 2023 onwards.

For self-propelled artillery, eight 155mm PzH 2000s were provided in April 2022, with training completed by May 2022 and the artillery arriving in Ukraine from June 2022. An additional nine 155mm DITA self-propelled guns were announced in February 2024.

Regarding tanks, the Netherlands began delivering 45 T-72 Avengers from December 2022, which were purchased from the Czech company Excalibur Army, upgraded, and delivered directly to Ukraine. They also pledged 33 out of over 100 Leopard 1A5s and 7 out of 14 Leopard 2A4s, in cooperation with Germany and Denmark, respectively.

For armored fighting vehicles, Fenneks were delivered in February 2023. Armored personnel carriers (APCs) included over 196 YPR-765s delivered from May 2022 onwards, 28 Bandvagn BvS 10s delivered before March 2023, and 40 M113 APCs with remote weapon stations as part of a joint donation with Belgium and Luxembourg.

The Netherlands also provided engineering vehicles and equipment, including one Scanjack 3500 mine clearing system, three Bozena mine clearing systems, six mine rollers for BMP IFVs, nine mine plows, five Brückenlegepanzer Biber bridgelayers, six M3 amphibious bridging vehicles, 24 Bailey bridges, and 1000 portable mine-clearing charges delivered from 2023 onwards.

Additionally, the Netherlands delivered a total of 909 vehicles, including around 300 DAF YA-4442 and DAF YAZ-2300 trucks from November 2022 onwards, various ambulances, SUVs, lifting cranes, loaders, forklifts, side loaders, motorcycles, and six Toyota Landcruiser ambulances.

For heavy mortars, six 120mm MO-120-HBs were delivered in November 2022. In the category of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), the Netherlands supplied 50 FIM-92 Stinger launchers from March 2022 onwards and 200 Stinger missiles in April 2022.