On Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence announced that it is negotiating with the Swedish company BAE Systems Hägglunds (part of the British BAE Systems) the possibility of assembling CV90 (Combat Vehicle 90) infantry fighting vehicles domestically, should the government decide to purchase them.
Photos: BAE Systems Hägglunds
Deputy Minister of National Defence Orijana Mašalė discussed with representatives of BAE Systems Hägglunds the potential purchase of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles along with their final assembly in Lithuania. During the meeting, possibilities for industrial cooperation were addressed, involving the Lithuanian defense industry in supply chains and ensuring efficient maintenance and operational support for the CV90 in Lithuania.
During the visit to the Swedish facilities, discussions covered the requirements for assembling the armored vehicles, production processes, necessary competencies, and the model of industrial cooperation proposed by the Swedish company for Lithuania.
“We want the new infantry fighting vehicle project not only to strengthen our armed forces but also to create long-term added value for Lithuania’s economy. Transferring the assembly processes to our country would mean new technologies, jobs, and opportunities for the Lithuanian industry. The Lithuanian division must reach full operational capability by 2030, and infantry fighting vehicles are an integral part of that,” emphasized Deputy Minister of National Defence O. Mašalė.
On October 22, 2024, the Lithuanian State Defence Council (Valstybės gynimo taryba, VGT) authorized the start of the procurement process for Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany and the discussed CV90 IFVs from Sweden. Interestingly, in the case of the tanks, the Lithuanian side is also negotiating industrial cooperation involving domestic assembly. Most recently, approval was granted to incur debt to cover the advance for the purchase.
As reported last year, following the completion of political, economic (industrial), and financial assessments, a decision was made to begin negotiations with the Swedes regarding the CV90. It was added that the plan calls for the purchase of tracked infantry fighting vehicles for two army battalions (around 90 units – editor’s note).
Subsequently, on December 18 of the same year, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence announced that the head of the ministry, Dovilė Šakalienė, had held her first meeting with representatives of the Swedish company BAE Systems Hägglunds to discuss the planned acquisition of tracked IFVs and the strengthening of cooperation with the Lithuanian defense industry.
On April 22 of this year, Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas visited Stockholm, where he met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to discuss defense cooperation, transatlantic security, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and European competitiveness. One of the topics discussed was the purchase of the CV90.
The authorities in Vilnius expect deliveries to begin as early as 2028, in line with the letter of intent signed on June 5 of this year with Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Estonia.
The CV9035 MkIIIC, which will likely be the subject of the joint procurement, will be based on the solutions of the modernized Dutch CV9035NL. It received a new turret to replace the Hägglunds E-series E35 turret, equipped with a 35 mm Bushmaster III automatic cannon, a launcher for Spike LR/LR2 anti-tank guided missiles, a new electro-optical targeting system, and the Iron Fist hard-kill active protection system (APS) from Israel’s Elbit Systems. The vehicles also received a new battle management system (BMS), a new driver’s thermal camera, updated electronic equipment, and rubber (composite) tracks.
🇱🇹 Lithuania is exploring opportunities to locally assemble CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, boosting both defence and the economy.
Viceminister Orijana Mašalė discussed cooperation with 🇸🇪 @BAESystemsplc in Sweden ahead of potential deliveries starting in 2028. pic.twitter.com/m7fNgZbiXI
— Lithuanian MOD 🇱🇹 (@Lithuanian_MoD) August 21, 2025