Finland and Latvia have signed a Research and Development (R&D) agreement with Patria for a joint armoured vehicle system, an agreement which marks the next step in this cooperation programme after the two countries signed a Technical Agreement (TA) last spring.
The armoured vehicle system will be based on Patria’s 6×6 protected vehicle, which was first presented at Eurosatory 2018. The vehicle combines the proven features of Patria’s XA and AMV vehicles. An efficient diesel engine with 294 kW output and a torque of 1,870 Nm, as well as the independent wheel suspension known from the AMV are the basis for the high off-road capability of the 24-ton vehicle. Protection against ballistic and blast threats can be realised between Level 2 and Level 4 according to STANAG 4569, depending on requirements.
In addition to the driver and commander, there is space for up to ten soldiers and their equipment for a 72-hour mission, depending on the equipment required. A joint Finnish-Latvian research and development organisation will lead and supervise the development work, with Finland as the leading country. The common requirements of the countries are the guidelines for the development project. The agreement also provides for the possibility of developing other new vehicle variants and system features at a later stage.
Gerhard Heiming
