Lithuania Approves 100 CV90 MkIV Infantry Fighting Vehicles for NATO Force Modernization.

Lithuania’s State Defence Council has approved a plan to acquire 100 Swedish-made CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicles through a joint procurement effort with five other NATO allies. The move locks in a long- term shift toward heavier, tracked mechanized combat power and tighter Nordic Baltic industrial and operational interoperability, with deliveries planned from 2028.

Lithuania has formally endorsed the purchase of 100 CV90 MkIV infantry fighting vehicles, tying the buy to a six-nation allied procurement framework that includes Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, and the Netherlands, according to a Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence readout that cites the State Defence Council’s approval. Officials signaled early that the deal is not only about platforms, it is also about sustainment and industrial resilience, with Lithuania pushing to include local production of some technical components and a domestic CV90 MkIV maintenance capability in follow-on contracts as the program heads toward a main agreement expected in early 2026.
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The approval, taken at the State Defence Council level, confirms Lithuania’s commitment to a fifth-generation, combat-proven infantry fighting vehicle that is expected to form the backbone of its future mechanized brigades. Officials briefed on the decision indicated that particular emphasis was placed on embedding industrial participation into the program, including the production of selected technical components and the establishment of CV90 MkIV maintenance and lifecycle support services in Lithuania. These elements are intended to be formally incorporated into subsequent acquisition contracts, reinforcing national resilience and long-term sustainment autonomy.

Lithuania is joining Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia and the Netherlands in the Nordic CV90 MkIV Infantry Fighting Vehicle acquisition program. The initiative was launched politically in June with the signing of a Statement of Intent, followed by a binding technical agreement concluded in Helsinki in late November. Defense sources described the Helsinki agreement as a critical milestone, as it defined common collaboration principles, baseline technical parameters, and an agreed action plan ahead of the main production contract planned for early 2026. Deliveries to Lithuania and other participating nations are scheduled to begin from 2028.

At the core of Lithuania’s interest is the CV90 MkIV’s combination of mobility, protection, and digital growth potential, which aligns closely with NATO’s evolving requirements for high-intensity, multi-domain operations. The MkIV represents the latest step in the evolution of the CV90 concept, building on more than two decades of operational experience across Europe. It introduces a significantly upgraded electronic architecture designed to support future technologies, including advanced sensors, networked command-and-control systems, and integration into NATO digital battle management environments.

From a mobility perspective, the MkIV is powered by a new engine delivering up to 1,000 horsepower, paired with the latest upgraded X300 heavy-duty transmission. This powertrain allows the vehicle to maintain high battlefield speeds and improved handling despite an increase in Gross Vehicle Weight Rating from 35 to 38 tonnes. The additional three tonnes of payload capacity provides greater flexibility for armor packages, mission systems, and national equipment without sacrificing agility, a key factor for operations in the varied terrain of the Baltic region.

Survivability enhancements are central to the MkIV’s design and were highlighted during Lithuanian deliberations. The vehicle is expected to become the first Western infantry fighting vehicle equipped with a fully qualified Active Protection System, significantly improving its resilience against modern anti-tank guided missiles and top-attack threats. The new CV90 MkIV D-series turret family supports a range of configurations, including integration of anti-tank guided missiles and active protection systems, allowing Lithuania to tailor firepower and protection to its specific operational concepts.

Additional features such as active damping technology increase cross-country speed and crew comfort, enhancing operational tempo during maneuver operations. The fourth-generation electronic architecture enables rapid technology insertion over the vehicle’s lifecycle, ensuring that the platform can evolve in response to emerging threats rather than becoming obsolete mid-service.

For Lithuanian defense planners, reliability of supply and credible industrial cooperation remain decisive factors as the multinational program moves toward contract signature. Officials involved in the process emphasized that expectations are high regarding responsiveness to national requirements, secure supply chains, and predictable delivery schedules, reflecting lessons learned from recent disruptions in global defense production.

By joining the CV90 MkIV program, Lithuania is not only modernizing its land forces but also deepening military and industrial ties within Northern Europe. The program strengthens collective deterrence by aligning armored capabilities across multiple NATO allies, enhancing the alliance’s ability to deploy and operate cohesive mechanized forces in the Baltic and Nordic regions.

Further details on Lithuanian-specific configurations, industrial participation, and sustainment arrangements are expected to emerge as negotiations progress toward the main contract in 2026. The State Defence Council’s decision nevertheless signals a clear strategic direction focused on sustained investment in modern, digitally enabled armored forces anchored within a trusted NATO industrial framework.