Latvian Army receives first locally built Patria 6×6 APC

On August 5, 2024, the Latvian National Armed Forces received their first locally produced Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier in a ceremony at the “Ādaži” military base. This event followed a contract signed in 2021 between the Latvian Ministry of Defence and Patria, which entails the delivery of more than 200 armored vehicles by 2029. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds, Chairman of the Board of Defence Partnership Latvia and Patria Latvia Uģis Romanovs, and Acting Commander of the Home Guard Colonel Gunārs Vizulis.

Romanovs noted that the delivery marks a significant milestone in Latvia’s involvement in the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program. This program aims to enhance the combat capabilities of the National Armed Forces (NAF) and contribute to the Latvian defence industry and economy. The Valmiera plant, opened in May, focuses on producing these armored vehicles and other NAF capability development projects.

The production facility in Valmiera, established by Defence Partnership Latvia, a joint venture formed in 2020 between Finnish defence company Patria and Latvian company Unitruck, plans to produce around thirty Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers annually. It is currently the only facility of its kind in the Baltics. Local production includes the manufacture of hulls by EMJ Metāls SIA, a Latvian company certified to produce these components independently. This local production is intended to shorten supply chains and reduce dependency on foreign components, ensuring a reliable supply of military equipment.

The agreement between Patria and SIA EMJ Metāls for vehicle parts manufacturing in Latvia, signed in November 2020, is an extension of the agreement signed between Latvia, Finland, and Patria in October 2020, which initiated research and development for a new family of Patria 6×6 wheeled armored personnel carriers. This collaboration involves local industry in the project, building a unified supply chain that supports Patria’s activities. EMJ Metāls, the largest sheet metal processing company in the Baltics, has been a key player in this initiative, investing over 4 million euros in equipment and technologies over the past five years.

The Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program is a collaborative effort involving Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany, aimed at developing a 6×6 armored vehicle system based on the Patria 6×6 platform. Initiated in 2020 by Finland and Latvia, the program seeks to create a versatile vehicle for troop transportation and other military applications. Germany joined the program in 2023, gaining access to the product development results and the ability to co-define future mission requirements. The vehicles are operational in Latvia, Finland, and Sweden, with Patria receiving orders for nearly 700 vehicles and delivering about 200 so far.

As part of the CAVS program, Latvia ordered over 200 APCs, with deliveries starting in 2021 and continuing until 2029. The first four units were delivered in October 2021. To facilitate the long-term testing and movement of these vehicles, the Ministry of Defence has proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Law, allowing for testing at the Ādaži military training ground until regulatory adjustments are made. Despite legislative and logistical challenges, the delivery of Patria 6×6 APCs to the Latvian National Armed Forces remains on schedule. The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the National Armed Forces and other state institutions, continues to support the growth of Latvia’s military industry.

The Patria 6×6, which evolved from the XA-series 6×6 Pasi introduced in the 1980s, was launched at the Eurosatory 2018 International Defense and Security Exhibition. It was designed to meet modern battlefield demands for modularity, high performance, and cost-effectiveness. The vehicle features a truck-like chassis, all-wheel drive, and independent suspension, ensuring mobility and comfort in rough terrains. It measures 7.5 meters in length, 2.5 meters in height, and 2.9 meters in width, with a combat weight of up to 24 tonnes and a payload capacity of 8.5 tonnes. The vehicle can accommodate up to three crew members and ten dismounts, achieving a maximum road speed of 100 km/h with STANAG Level 4 protection.

The Patria 6×6 is versatile in terms of armament, capable of being equipped with various weapon systems, including a pintle-mounted 7.62 mm machine gun, a 105 mm or 120 mm cannon, and the Patria Nemo 120 mm mortar system, which offers both direct and indirect fire capabilities up to 10 km. Optional armaments include a 0.50 M2 HB heavy machine gun mounted on a roof-protected station, allowing the vehicle to perform roles from troop transport and reconnaissance to direct combat support.