Home Europe Finland contracts BAE for CV90 IFV mid-life upgrade

Finland contracts BAE for CV90 IFV mid-life upgrade

Finnish CV90 IFV
Photo: BAE Systems

The Finnish defense ministry has signed a contract with BAE Systems for the upgrade of the Finnish Army’s fleet of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.

The agreement, worth up to $32 million with options, includes a mid-life extension program to increase the combat efficiency of 102 vehicles in Finland’s inventory.

The CV9030FIN prototype and test series vehicles will be upgraded first, with the remaining lifecycle upgrades carried out between 2022-2026.

As part of the contract, BAE Systems Hägglunds, the original manufacturer of the CV90, will work closely with Finnish industry to upgrade the general availability and maintainability of the vehicle, further develop in-service safety, and enhance the system’s technology and software.

“The upgrade program will secure the capability of the vehicles into the 2030s. At the same time, it will make it possible to eventually have a more extensive mid-life upgrade performed on the vehicles during the latter part of their lifecycle,” said Colonel Rainer Peltoniemi, Inspector of the Infantry for the Finnish Army.

Finland is the latest in a series of CV90 customers to significantly re-invest in the combat-proven IFV platform.

Four of seven nations in the CV90 user club have recently signed contracts to extend the lifecycle of their fleets and enhance their vehicles’ capabilities. Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands signed mid-life upgrade agreements, while the Norwegian Army recently completed a fleet upgrade and ordered 20 additional CV90s to increase the combat power of its existing fleet.

“We are looking forward to further supporting Finland with its latest program and deepening our relationships with local industry,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. “Our customers’ continued commitment to the platform benefits all current and future CV90 users, as each nation shares their experiences and innovations which help keep the vehicle modern, advanced, and affordable for years to come.”

Finland is one of seven users operating the CV90. The other six are Denmark, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.