Today Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė met with representatives of the Swedish manufacturer BAE Systems Hägglunds to discuss acquisition of the CV-90 tracked infantry fighting vehilces and closer cooperation with the Lithuanian Defence industry.
“Important aspects are a quick and effective implementation and timely delivery of the IFVs because we cannot afford delays in the current security situation. Lithuania’s objective is to have the national division at Full Operational Capability by 2030 and IFVs are inseparable part of the process that leads up to it. We will form a sustained and long-term industrial collaboration which will include Lithuania in the supply chains of the programme and ensure and effective CV90 maintenance and servicing in Lithuania,” noted Minister after the meeting.
The Swedes were debriefed on the Government’s decision to increase the limit on borrowing for defence to EUR 800 million next year and assured of comprehensive Government-level support for cooperation with the company if the negotiations were successful ad met Lithuania’s interests.
Lithuania will join the IFV acquisition programme with Finland, Sweden and Norway. The model and terms of industrial cooperation will have to be approved by all the participant, therefore, the negotiations are planned to be completed in the end of 2025.
