Netherlands Orders CV90 Combat Vehicles

The Netherlands has ordered new CV90 infantry fighting vehicles under a joint European procurement drive to reinforce its land combat forces.

In a letter to the House of Representatives dated 19 December, State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman said the defence ministry is fast-tracking the purchase through the Nordic Initiative, a multinational framework aimed at coordinated acquisitions. Sweden is leading contract negotiations with the manufacturer on behalf of participating countries.

The defence ministry said the joint purchase is intended to lower costs and improve operational alignment among European armies. The Dutch CV90 fleet already in service is undergoing a mid-life update. Part of the new production will take place in the Netherlands, with more than 20 Dutch companies involved as suppliers.

The procurement also includes unmanned systems to support anti-tank missions and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks.

The new vehicles and systems will be allocated to the 13th Medium Brigade. The brigade will receive an additional armored infantry battalion based at the Nassau-Dietz Barracks in Budel. The unit is intended to combine mobility and firepower within a mix of heavy and medium infantry, as the Netherlands prepares for potential large-scale conflict.

Existing Dutch combat vehicles are being upgraded with added protection, including active protection systems designed to counter anti-tank missiles.

Between €1 billion and €2.5 billion has been set aside in the defence ministry’s investment budget. Quantities, delivery timelines, and final costs were not disclosed.