Netherlands Expands Armour: More CV90s and Bridgelayers
The Netherlands has announced it will procure new CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, bridge-laying tanks and armoured support vehicles as part of preparations for a possible large-scale war. According to Defence Blog, the Defence Ministry’s October 26 letter to parliament gives no quantities or costs.
What Is in the Package
The letter reportedly covers bridge-laying tanks, a replacement for the Kodiak engineer vehicle, and new tracked support vehicles and heavy recovery vehicles from Germany’s FFG. Quantities, costs and delivery schedules were not disclosed.
The CV90 Track
In December 2025 the Netherlands announced it would buy additional CV90s through the Swedish-led CV90 initiative. State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman told parliament the new vehicles will equip an additional armoured infantry battalion of the 13th Light Brigade, based at Nassau-Dietz Barracks in Budel. CV90 deliveries are planned from 2028. The ministry ties the move to large-scale conflict planning, arguing that strengthening the infantry is essential in that context.
Why Bridgelayers and Support Vehicles
More armoured vehicles need bridging tanks to cross rivers, ditches and obstacles, and recovery vehicles to pull broken-down vehicles from the battlefield. In large-scale conflict planning these support elements are as critical as the combat vehicles themselves.
What We Could Not Verify
The main source is Defence Blog; we could not independently see the ministry’s letter, and the year given for it varies between sources.
Originally reported by Envanter Medya.
