Patria Unveils Trackx: Lightweight Tracked APC to Replace the Legendary M113
London, September 2025 — One of the biggest highlights of the DSEI UK defense exhibition in London was Finland’s Patria unveiling its new Trackx light tracked armored personnel carrier (APC). The vehicle is designed as a modern successor to the legendary M113, which has served militaries worldwide for more than six decades.
A Modern Successor to the M113
The M113, with over 80,000 units built since the 1960s, remains one of the most widely used armored vehicles in the world. It has seen renewed action in conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. But despite upgrades, the design is increasingly outdated. Patria aims for Trackx to fill this gap by offering a light, mobile, and cost-effective tracked vehicle for today’s battlefield needs.
Key Features of Trackx
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Capacity: Can transport 12 troops, including the driver, commander, and ten soldiers with full equipment.
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Weight: Maximum combat weight of 15.5 tons, striking a balance between mobility and protection.
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Protection: Provides ballistic shielding against small arms fire, with optional upgrades against armor-piercing rounds.
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Mobility: Equipped with wide rubber tracks, low ground pressure, and an advanced hydropneumatic suspension system, ensuring performance across roads, forests, bogs, and snow.
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All-Terrain Tested: Trials have already been conducted in demanding environments, proving its capability in harsh northern climates.
Part of the EU’s FAMOUS Program
Trackx is the first production-ready vehicle developed under the EU-funded FAMOUS (Future Highly Mobile Augmented Armoured Systems) program, led by Finland with participation from countries including France, Germany, and Spain. The program, with a budget of around €132 million, is backed by the European Defence Fund and national contributions.
Patria coordinated the project, working alongside European defense companies such as Arquus, KNDS, and Indra, ensuring the vehicle’s specifications meet a wide range of European operational requirements.
Market Prospects and Production Timeline
Patria has set a target for serial production by 2027. The company confirmed strong interest from several EU countries, as well as inquiries from outside Europe. The design is particularly attractive for nations still operating aging fleets of M113s or MT-LBs, offering them a modern, lighter tracked replacement.
Patria also emphasized local manufacturing opportunities, highlighting its experience with the Patria 6×6 wheeled armored vehicle, already being produced in Finland, Latvia, and Germany, with options for licensed production in other countries.
A Strategic Step for Europe
According to Patria’s executive vice president for protected mobility, Jussi Järvinen, Trackx fills a critical gap in the armored vehicle market. While most manufacturers focus on either lighter, less-protected vehicles or heavier, more expensive platforms, Trackx provides a balanced option for modern militaries seeking affordable, highly mobile, and versatile armored transport.
Outlook
With its blend of mobility, protection, and affordability, Trackx is set to play a central role in the modernization of European armed forces. Its development under the FAMOUS program also highlights growing European defense cooperation, ensuring that the Trackx is not just a Finnish achievement but a European milestone in armored vehicle innovation.
