塔林方面此前计划用更现代化的平台更换现有的 CV9035NL 步兵战车（IFV），但最近决定将投资转向其他领域。爱沙尼亚已取消了新的步兵战车采购计划，改为斥资约1亿欧元对其现有的44辆 CV9035NL 进行升级。
爱沙尼亚国防投资中心发言人表示：“目前，使现有步兵战车现代化比更换它们更理性。现代化将确保能力的持续维持和资源的有效利用。”据称，由此节省的资金总额预计超过4亿美元，目前尚未最终分配，正在等待分析。然而，外界普遍认为该国将转向反无人机系统（C-UAS）和 FPV 攻击无人机，这些系统在乌克兰战场上显示出了极高的战术影响力。
业内人士透露，爱沙尼亚正重新分配资金，重点关注无人机系统而非装甲车辆。爱沙尼亚的国防开支预计将增至16亿美元以上，装甲输送车的交付将于2025年完成。
Tallinn had earlier planned to replace the existing CV9035NL IFVs with a more modern platform but has recently opted to invest elsewhere.
An Estonian CV90 IFV on exercise in 2021. Credit: US Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer
Estonia cancels new IFV buy; will upgrade 44 CV9035NLs for ~€100m
Extra funds (> $400m) likely shift to counter-UAS and FPV drones
APC deliveries completed in 2025; defence spending rising to >$1.6bn
Estonia has dropped its intended acquisition of new infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), intended to replace a fleet of current CV90 platforms, and redirect funding to the procurement of alternative capabilities, thought potentially to be counter-UAS and FPV strike drones.
According to GlobalData’s inventory data lists, Estonia operates a fleet of 44 CV9035NL IFVs, acquired during 2016-2019, produced by BAE Systems AB.
In 2025 Estonia signed a deal with Finland, Norway, Sweden, Lithuania, and the Netherlands to explore the CV90 Mk IV as a possible replacement to the in-service 9035NL variants, with other IFV available internationally also to be considered.
However, the reversal will now see the 44 CV9035NL receive a €100m ($117.8m) upgrade package, an Estonian Center for Defence Investments spokesperson told Army Technology.
“At present, it is more rational to modernise the existing infantry fighting vehicles rather than replace them. Modernisation will ensure the sustained preservation of capability and the efficient use of resources,” the spokesperson said.
Continuing, the spokesperson said that the remaining allocated funds, which is thought to total in excess of $400m, was still unallocated, pending analysis.
However, it is thought likely that the pivot will be towards counter-UAS and FPV strike drone systems, which have provided to have both a tactical and strategic influence in Ukraine.
Industry insiders separately told Army Technology that Estonia is reallocating funds to focus on UAS instead of armoured vehicles.
Meanwhile Estonia confirmed that it had completed delivery of both Otokar ARMA 6×6 APCs and Nurol Machina NMS 4×4 APCs, all of which arrived in 2025.
“More specifically, the [Estonian] Defence Forces currently have 133 Otokar vehicles and 96 Nurol vehicles in active use, while four Nurol vehicles were delivered to the Estonian Rescue Board,’’ the spokesperson said.
Estonia defence spending doubles
In Nato’s recent publication of member defence spending, Estonia’s estimated defence spend for 2025 was in excess of $1.6bn, nearly double the $820m figure for 2022. As a percentage of GDP, this reflected 3.42% of the country’s total expenditure, an increase from 2.14% in 2022.
A Strategic Intelligence report from GlobalData in 2025 revealed that investment in defensive c-UAS capabilities would accelerate, with the capability increasingly being seen as essential given the proliferation of drones in the battlespace.
Additional reporting by John Hill.