Ukraine officially part of CV90 community: Why it matters now
Photo: CV90 (GettyImages)
Ukraine has gained new opportunities to strengthen defense cooperation in Europe. Switzerland's decision expanded Kyiv's participation in the international framework related to the use of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, according to the Swiss government portal.
On Friday, September 12, the Swiss Federal Council adopted a decision that opens the way for Ukraine to become a full participant in the international club of countries operating the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle. Until now, Kyiv had limited itself to the role of observer, having joined the format in the spring of 2024.
The application for membership was submitted by the Ukrainian side in the summer, and now the country has become part of the association, which already includes nine European partners: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland itself.
The CV90, developed by BAE Systems Hägglunds AB, is operated by various armies, and in Switzerland the vehicle received its own designation – "Infantry Fighting Vehicle 2000."
The association of operators allows countries to coordinate their activities in the field of operation: exchange experience in repair and modernization, coordinate the purchase of components and ammunition, as well as jointly organize training for military personnel.
Bern emphasized that Kyiv's accession does not go beyond Switzerland’s policy of neutrality. The cooperation format is of an exclusively technical nature and does not imply military obligations. Each country independently determines the amount of information it is ready to share with its partners.
For Ukraine, participation in the club opens up new opportunities – access to NATO and EU best practices in the operation of infantry fighting vehicles, expanded potential for equipment modernization, and stronger cooperation with key European partners in the defense sector.
It should be recalled that Ukraine has reached a new level in weapons production during the full-scale military conflict. At present, almost 60% of weaponry for the Armed Forces of Ukraine is produced domestically. The president announced that the country is developing new joint ventures, including the first-ever joint plant with Denmark, which is being built on Danish territory.
It should be noted that the chairman of the Bundestag Defense Committee, Thomas Röwekamp, put forward an initiative to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities. He proposed that NATO provide Kyiv with long-range weapons and allow it to target Russian drones before they cross into Ukrainian airspace. The politician stressed that such measures would help the country more effectively defend against air attacks and significantly improve the operational security of its borders.
