The CV90, manufactured by Swedish company BAE Systems Hägglunds AB, is in service with several armed forces, including the Swiss Armed Forces where it is designated the Infantry Fighting Vehicle 2000. The CV90 Club enables cooperation between user nations on maintenance, modification services, spare parts and ammunition procurement, configuration management and training equipment.
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovakia and the Czech Republic currently participate in the operator group. According to the Federal Council, “the exchange of information within the operator group enables Switzerland to ensure efficient and economical maintenance and to gain important insights for further developments.”
On 13 August, the Federal Council approved the accession of the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the CV90 operator group. It also authorised the DDPS to admit additional states in future, in coordination with the Directorate of International Law, though the Federal Council retained final consideration due to political sensitivities.
Ukraine, which has been an observer since 6 March 2024, applied for full membership earlier this summer. The Federal Council noted that “Ukrainian membership will enhance the CV90 Club, as members will benefit directly from Ukraine’s operational experience with the CV90.”
The Federal Council emphasised that membership is consistent with neutrality because Ukraine’s admission provides no military or operational advantages. “Switzerland remains entirely free to choose what information it shares with other countries and which CV90 Club projects it joins,” the government explained, adding that membership could be suspended or withdrawn with three months’ notice if necessary.
Source: armasuisse (press release).
