Estonia cancels CV90 replacement

Estonia’s decision to cancel its significant CV90 replacement programme comes in the wake of wayward strike drones entering its airspace. The state re-emphasised that it is learning from Ukraine, and that is informing the decision.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on April 13, 2026.

Estonia has cancelled its planned €500 million ($542.45 million/€500 million) procurement of new platforms to replace its CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. According to a statement given by Defence Minister, Hanno Pevkur on April 9, the country is opting instead to prioritise drone defence.

The change in policy appears to be a reaction to incidents in late March, where a series of drones strayed into Estonian territory. One hit the chimney of a power plant and the state alert system, EE-ALARM, was activated.

Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur confirmed the decision following updated military advice from the Commander of the Defence Forces, which prioritised drone defence.

Additional funding will certainly go to the ‘eyes and ears’ of air defence in order to improve situational awareness; these areas will receive significant capability upgrades in the coming years,” Pevkur said.

Allocation of the remaining funds freed up by cancelling the CV90 replacement will be based on advice from Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, Major General Andrus Merilo. He is set to deliver is recommendations in the near future, which will set out procurement priorities for the next four years.

The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments will fund a life-extension programme for the existing CV9035 fleet. This programme intends to keep the vehicles operational for another decade, deferring the requirement for a major replacement until the 2030s.

Calibre comment: Damned if you do, damned if you don’t

Estonia is in a difficult position because it has limited funding to work with and costs of new equipment are increasing. Pevkur did cite market conditions and increasing costs as one of the reasons for cancellation. At the same time, the Estonian government must make reasonable preparations for all scenarios to keep its people safe. In that context, the drone threat clearly looms large.

So, refocusing some limited funds on air defence is logical in that scenario. It will improve Estonia’s ability to defend its skies and bring down Russian drones or wayward Ukrainian ones. There is also expected to be increased funding for mobility, reconnaissance and firepower. Estonia has already ordered additional Caesar howitzers and K-239 Chunmoo rocket launchers to boost its indirect fires capability.

It is of course sensible to take lessons from Ukraine. But it is always worth remembering that the war did not start the way it is currently being fought. Ukraine stopped Russia’s invasion and reversed many of its gains using conventional manoeuvre platforms and combined arms. So, maintaining those capabilities is essential, especially when Estonia’s ability to defend its land would rely on slowing Russian forces down. In many ways, it is a difficult choice to make; focus on air defence and mobility, or conventional combat capabilities, many forces cannot have both.

The lead image shows two Estonian soldiers participating in a drone defence drill with a MANPADS. Credit: Estonian Defence Forces.