Denmark Orders 129 Patria 6x6 Armoured Vehicles to Strengthen European Defense Cooperation

In a decisive move to modernize its ground forces and bolster joint operations with European allies, Denmark has placed an order for 129 Patria 6x6 armoured vehicles from Finland’s defense company Patria. This procurement marks Denmark’s full integration into the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme, a collaborative defense initiative involving several European countries.

The deal, valued at 1.9 billion Danish kroner (approximately €247 million), was officially sealed on July 14, 2025, with Denmark signing the programme’s final three agreements: the Research and Development (R&D) Agreement, Framework Agreement, and Life Cycle Management (LCM) Agreement. Funded through Denmark’s Accelerationsfonden, the contract aligns with the country’s broader defense investment plan, which allocates €6.5 billion between 2025 and 2026 for capability upgrades.

The Patria 6x6: A Highly Adaptable Combat Platform

Designated as XA-300 in Denmark, the Patria 6x6 is a modular, wheeled armored vehicle developed to meet the operational needs of modern European armed forces. It is designed to perform a wide variety of military roles including:

• Troop transport

• Command and control operations

• Medical evacuation

• Communications and electronic warfare

The vehicle features a crew capacity of 2–3, along with room for up to 10 fully equipped troops. Powered by a Scania DC09 in-line five-cylinder diesel engine, it delivers 294 kW of power and 1,870 Nm of torque. Key performance specifications include:

• Payload capacity: 8.5 tonnes

• Top road speed: Over 100 km/h

• Amphibious speed: 8 km/h

• Operational range: 700 km

• Protection level: STANAG 4569 Level K2/M2a/b (upgradeable to Level K4/M4a/b)

Its vehicle layout places the driver and commander up front, the engine behind them, and a spacious troop compartment at the rear. Internally, the right-side passage offers ease of movement inside the vehicle. Suspension options include independent coil spring or hydropneumatic systems, while the vehicle’s robust chassis borrows heavily from the proven Patria AMVXP platform.

Strategic Impact and Industrial Integration

Deliveries to Denmark will begin in late 2025 with initial units used for training and familiarization. Full-scale deployment is scheduled from 2026 onward, with the vehicles expected to serve in both light infantry battalions and the heavy brigade of the Danish Armed Forces.

The CAVS programme, initiated in 2019 by Finland and Latvia, has grown to include Sweden, Germany, and now Denmark. More than 850 Patria 6x6 vehicles have been ordered across Europe, including 250+ by Latvia, 161 by Finland, 341 by Sweden, and 42 by Ukraine, with Germany planning up to 1,000 units.

Local production is central to the programme. Denmark is expected to replicate models seen in Latvia and Germany, where Patria collaborates with domestic firms to assemble vehicles, ensuring industrial participation, supply chain security, and cost savings.

A Platform with Long-Term European Defense Value

The Patria 6x6 has proven its adaptability across different terrains and missions. It supports a variety of armament options, including:

• 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns

• 25 mm or 30 mm automatic cannons

• Patria NEMO 120 mm turreted mortar system

With a service life exceeding 30 years, the Patria 6x6 is not only a reliable choice but also a future-ready platform, ready to integrate with digital command systems such as Germany’s ADLER fire control network.

Denmark's participation also benefits from European Commission support, which provided €60 million through EDIRPA (European Defence Industry Reinforcement Instrument through Joint Procurement) to fund CAVS development and lifecycle costs.

Denmark’s Defense Commitment

The acquisition reflects Denmark’s commitment to deepening European defense integration and enhancing the interoperability of its armed forces. Scheduled to be showcased at DALO Industry Days 2025 in Ballerup, the Patria 6x6 represents not just a military upgrade, but a symbol of shared European security and technological advancement.

Through this strategic investment, Denmark positions itself at the forefront of collaborative defense modernization, while supporting national industry and contributing to a unified, resilient Europe.