Patria to Deliver 56 More Armoured Vehicles to Latvia Under CAVS Programme
In a significant boost to Latvia’s defence infrastructure, Finnish defence company Patria has signed a deal with the Latvian Ministry of Defence to deliver 56 additional armoured 6x6 vehicles. These vehicles will be provided as part of the ongoing Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme, a collaborative effort that already includes Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. The new agreement, valued at over €60 million, will introduce command and control (C2) variants of Patria's 6x6 vehicles, set to enhance military coordination and operational efficiency.
The CAVS initiative, launched in 2020, focuses on developing interoperable, modular military vehicles that can be adapted across participating nations, ensuring cost-effective solutions and strategic defense capabilities. The command and control units, which Latvia will be the first to deploy, are designed to manage complex battlefield communications and decision-making processes.
Deliveries of the new armoured vehicles are slated to begin in 2024, stretching through to 2029. Patria will leverage its recently inaugurated production facility in Valmiera, Latvia, underscoring a commitment to using local industry resources. This state-of-the-art facility opened in May 2024 and plays a pivotal role in Latvia’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, integrating advanced vehicle assembly and technology transfers from Finland to boost local workforce skills.
The Patria 6x6 armoured vehicles stand out for their robust design and cutting-edge features. They are equipped with superior mine and ballistic protection and can be tailored for various roles, including troop transportation, medical evacuation, and electronic warfare. With a modular design and all-terrain capability, these vehicles ensure adaptability in diverse combat environments. The latest command and control variants will be integrated with sophisticated systems to coordinate battlefield units, manage real-time data sharing, and enhance situational awareness.
Andris Sprūds, Latvia's Minister of Defence, emphasized the strategic impact of these deliveries, citing improvements in Latvia's command capabilities and the broader growth of its defence industry. Mats Warstedt, Patria’s Senior Vice President, highlighted the value of multinational collaboration under CAVS, showcasing how shared research and cost distribution among member nations have led to efficient development.
The broader scope of the CAVS programme has already generated interest beyond the current four members. There is potential for further European participation, which could mean additional orders for Patria, whose expertise in armoured vehicle manufacturing dates back over 40 years. With more than 750 vehicles already under contract, the programme is viewed as a blueprint for future multinational defence cooperation.
Latvia’s strategic alignment with Finland and other European allies through this deal reflects a growing emphasis on regional security and preparedness, especially in the context of heightened tensions near NATO's eastern flank. The Patria 6x6 command vehicles will become a backbone element of Latvia's land defence, reinforcing both national security and the broader defence network of CAVS member states.
