The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has confirmed plans to acquire additional CV90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to expand the capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Army.
The purchase will be conducted through a multinational European procurement program involving Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden, designed to lower acquisition costs while improving interoperability among allied forces. No further technical or financial details of the acquisition have been disclosed at this stage.
The new CV90s will be assigned to an additional armored infantry battalion within the 13th Light Brigade, which will be stationed at the Nassau-Dietz Barracks in Budel.
This announcement follows a cooperation agreement signed in November between the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Lithuania, and Estonia, covering the joint development, operation, and sustainment of the CV90 platform. The primary contract for the program is expected to be finalized in early 2026.
More than 20 Dutch companies are anticipated to contribute as subcontractors, including involvement in the modernization of the existing CV90 fleet. Currently, 122 CV90s in Dutch service are undergoing a mid-life upgrade program valued at approximately $500 million, led by BAE Systems Hägglunds.
The upgrade package focuses on enhanced survivability and battlefield effectiveness, including turret redesigns based on Royal Netherlands Army studies aimed at improving human-machine interaction. Additional enhancements are intended to shorten detection, identification, and engagement timelines, while providing crews with greater tactical flexibility. An active protection system is also being integrated to counter anti-tank guided missile threats. The modernization effort is scheduled for completion by 2026.
The tracked CV90 platform is engineered for high mobility, agility, and firepower, particularly in subarctic operating conditions. It can transport up to eight troops and reach speeds of 70 km/h (43 mph). To date, the CV90 has been adopted by 10 nations, including Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, and the Netherlands.
