• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Infantry Fighting Vehicle 2000: Federal Council approves Ukraine's admission to operator group

Swiss Government

Press release
Published on 12 September 2025

Bern, 12.09.2025 -- At its meeting on 12 September, the Federal Council approved Ukraine's admission as a full member of the CV90 Club, the operator group for the Combat Vehicle 90. Ukrainian membership is compatible with Swiss neutrality, as it entails a purely technical data exchange, with Switzerland retaining full discretion over what information it chooses to share.

The CV90 from Swedish manufacturer BAE Systems Hägglunds AB is used by various armed forces around the world, including the Swiss Armed Forces, where it is known as the Infantry Fighting Vehicle 2000. The CV90 Club facilitates cooperation between user countries in the areas of maintenance, modification services, spare parts and ammunition procurement, configuration management and training equipment. Currently, CV90 operators Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovakia and the Czech Republic participate in this operator group. 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. At the same time, it authorised the DDPS to admit additional states in future, in coordination with the Directorate of International Law. Given the political sensitivities surrounding the issue, the matter was nonetheless brought before the Federal Council for formal consideration. The Federal Council has now approved Ukraine's accession to the CV90 operator group and authorised the National Armaments Director to sign the amendment agreement.

Ukraine has held observer status since 6 March 2024 and submitted its application for full membership this summer. Ukrainian membership will enhance the CV90 Club, as members will benefit directly from Ukraine's operational experience with the CV90.

Compatibility with Swiss neutrality

Switzerland and Ukraine can both be members without compromising Swiss neutrality, since Ukrainian membership brings 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. This means Switzerland will not be bound by any obligations or dependencies. Switzerland can also suspend or withdraw its membership at three months' notice if necessary.