Estonia to Replace CV90 IFVs, Existing Fleet to Be Stored
The Estonian government is planning to place its current fleet of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles into storage and begin the search for a suitable replacement.
According to local media ERR, the move is being considered within the framework of Estonia’s upcoming four-year defense budget, which allocates €10 billion to strengthen national defense capabilities.
One of the reasons for placing the CV90 IFVs into storage and planning their replacement is that these infantry fighting vehicles were purchased second-hand in 2014 and are now approaching the end of their service life.
“As we know, these vehicles arrived in Estonia not new, which means their life cycle is almost over. Of course, it’s important to understand that even if we make a decision today, it doesn’t mean we will receive new vehicles tomorrow. This will take time – another 3 to 4 years,” Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur shared.
According to the plan, one-third of the budget will be allocated for the procurement of new weaponry, while a quarter will go toward replenishing ammunition stocks.
Meanwhile, experts remain divided on the rearmament program itself: some consider it justified, while others see it as outdated.
The program’s main aims include the modernization of weaponry, the construction of a military ship, the procurement of additional ammunition of all types, the construction of defensive structures in the eastern part of the country, and the strengthening of the air defense system.
“It seems to me that the program is feasible and strengthens all the important areas. Air defense is being reinforced. Engineering troops are being developed. These are all very important aspects. How exactly they are developed is another question, but in my opinion, everything is moving in the right direction. The decisions are correct,” Pevkur emphasized.
On the other hand, Meelis Oidsalu, former Deputy Chancellor of the Ministry of Defense and security expert, considers the adopted defense program outdated.
In particular, only €150 million out of the entire €10 billion budget is allocated for the procurement of drones.
Estonia is actively strengthening its armored vehicle arsenal, including through the purchase of Turkish combat vehicles.
