Denmark Orders New CV9035 MkIIICs, May Aid Ukraine

Defense Feeds – Denmark Orders New CV9035 MkIIICs as part of a broader effort to modernize its armored forces and strengthen national defense capabilities. 

Denmark is moving ahead with a plan to purchase 44 brand-new CV9035 MkIIIC infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), marking a major step in overhauling its ground combat power. 

Instead of modernizing its current CV9035DK units, Copenhagen has opted for the new CV9035 MkIIIC series, which may later allow the older vehicles to be redirected to Ukraine.

The plan, confirmed by Hans Tino Hansen, CEO of Risk Intelligence, highlights Denmark’s commitment to unifying its armored vehicle fleet under a standardized CV90 platform. 

Once the new units are delivered, Denmark’s inventory will total around 159 vehicles, combining earlier CV9035 MkIIIC orders with the newest purchase.

This strategic fleet renewal aims to simplify maintenance, training, and logistics across the Royal Danish Army. The decision comes amid a wider European trend of armored force modernization.

With several NATO members upgrading their CV90 fleets, the announcement that Denmark Orders New CV9035 MkIIICs underscores both the country’s defense priorities and its continued role in supporting Ukraine through potential future equipment transfers.

Potential Transfer of Older CV9035DKs to Ukraine

Defense observers believe Denmark’s restructuring may eventually enable the transfer of its existing 44 CV9035DK vehicles to Ukrainian forces. 

Such a move would provide Kyiv with valuable combat-proven hardware while reinforcing the alliance’s continued support for Ukraine’s defense sector. However, any transfer is not expected soon.

The new CV9035 MkIIIC variants will only begin arriving next year, meaning the Danish Army must retain its current IFVs until replacements are in full service. 

With the 44 CV9035DKs forming Denmark’s entire active CV90 fleet at present, an early handover remains logistically complex.

Nevertheless, Copenhagen has shown flexibility before. Denmark previously shipped its Caesar self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, even at the cost of temporarily weakening its own defense readiness. That precedent leaves the door open for potential near-term decisions once new CV9035 MkIIICs enter service.

Contract Yet to Be Finalized as Europe Expands CV90 Programs

Although reports confirm Denmark’s intention to proceed with the purchase, the contract for the 44 CV9035 MkIIIC vehicles has not yet been officially signed. 

Specifics such as the production timeline, delivery schedule, and pricing remain under negotiation with the manufacturer, BAE Systems Hägglunds.

Defense experts believe the upcoming deal will integrate into the broader European initiative for CV90 purchases, reflecting ongoing orders and plans from nations like Sweden, Finland, Norway, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Estonia.

This collective procurement strategy ensures long-term industrial continuity and enhances interoperability within NATO mechanized forces.

BAE Systems is simultaneously boosting its production capacity. The company aims to reach annual output levels of 250 vehicles by 2026, with expansion plans to hit 350 per year in subsequent cycles. 

Even so, full-scale deliveries to all partners will take time, meaning Denmark’s replacement and reallocation process could extend well into the coming decade.

Ukraine’s Growing CV90 Arsenal Strengthens Defense Lines

Ukraine has already received 50 Swedish-supplied CV9040C IFVs that have demonstrated strong combat effectiveness on the frontlines, combining powerful armament with superior protection. 

Kyiv has also secured another 40 CV9035 MkIIIC vehicles under a multinational donor initiative, bringing the total number of CV90-series units in Ukrainian service or on order to about 90.

Despite at least 15 of these vehicles being destroyed in action, the CV90 has significantly boosted Ukraine’s mechanized capabilities, outperforming older Soviet-era IFVs in mobility, survivability, and system integration. 

If Denmark eventually donates its 44 older CV9035DK vehicles, they could replace units lost in combat or equip a new mechanized battalion, enhancing Ukraine’s overall battlefield strength.

The CV90 remains Europe’s most advanced infantry fighting vehicle, balancing adaptability and modern battlefield performance. 

As nations like Denmark, Sweden, and Finland align their modernization programs, regional defense integration under the CV90 platform is set to deepen across Europe.