Estonia drops CV90 plan as it shifts towards uncrewed systems and firepower
Estonia is upgrading its CV90 tracked vehicles instead of buying new platforms. (Photo: Estonian Ministry of Defence)
The country is scaling back its reliance on heavy battlefield equipment in favour of upgrading existing platforms and investing in firepower, mobility, unmanned systems and situational awareness.
Estonia has ended negotiations with BAE Systems Hägglunds for the procurement of more CV90 tracked vehicles and will instead spend the €500 million (US$586.6 million) budget on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), air defence and firepower.
The country’s Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur made the announcement on 10 April, as reported by national broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling, with Shephard having previously reported that negotiations had been ongoing to finalise the CV90 purchase.
Pevkur said: “The main reason [for giving up the CV90 purchase] is that the share of heavy equipment on the battlefield is decreasing; hence the advice of the Commander of
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Billion-dollar Belgium deal for NASAMS creates multinational air defence system]()
Billion-dollar Belgium deal for NASAMS creates multinational air defence system
The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) is in service on five continents with more than 120 platforms delivered. The system will now form part of Belgium’s Blue Dome air defence system alongside new orders for Skyranger air defence and Thales radar systems.
-
![Clearer military requirements could unlock UGV market growth]()
Clearer military requirements could unlock UGV market growth
Western armies continue to test uncrewed ground vehicles, but wider procurement will depend on turning ambitions for autonomy into defined operational roles and funded requirements.
-
![Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?]()
Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
-
![A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options]()
A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options
The US is pursuing multiple UGV programmes, from commercial robotic platforms to new autonomy technologies. The combination of these efforts could prove key to turning ambition into operational capability.
-
![NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement]()
NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.
