Lithuania’s State Defence Council has approved the procurement of 100 CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), marking a major step in the modernization of the country’s land forces. The acquisition is intended to significantly enhance Lithuania’s mechanized infantry capabilities amid growing regional security challenges.
The purchase will be carried out through a multinational European procurement program involving Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The cooperative framework is designed to reduce overall acquisition and lifecycle costs while strengthening interoperability among participating NATO and partner forces. The decision follows a statement of intent signed in June and a technical agreement concluded in November with the other program members.
According to Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence, the joint procurement contract is expected to be signed in early 2026, with vehicle deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028. The agreement will also include provisions for local industrial participation, covering the production of selected CV90 technical components as well as maintenance, repair, and support services to be performed within Lithuania.
The ministry emphasized that supply reliability and industrial cooperation will be decisive factors in the country’s continued involvement in multinational defense programs. Officials noted that the program places strong expectations on rapid responsiveness to Lithuanian operational requirements and on-time delivery under the strategic framework.
Manufactured by BAE Systems Hägglunds, the CV90 MkIV is a tracked infantry fighting vehicle optimized for high mobility and firepower, particularly in subarctic and challenging terrain. The platform can transport up to eight dismounted troops, reach speeds of 70 kilometers per hour, and support a wide range of weapon systems, including medium-caliber autocannons, machine guns, grenade launchers, and anti-tank guided missiles.
Featuring a modular and open architecture, the CV90 allows integration of advanced fire-control systems, modern sensors, and cybersecurity enhancements, enabling high hit probability against both ground and aerial targets. The CV90 family is currently operated by 10 countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, and the Netherlands, reinforcing its status as a widely adopted European armored platform.
