The Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) are to purchase heavy Patria 6×6 armoured vehicles from Patria within the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme, the Finnish defence manufacturer announced on 26 April 2024.
Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen has authorised the FDF Logistics Command to start the serial procurement of heavy armoured personnel carrier (APC) 6×6 vehicles from Patria. The first phase of the acquisition will include one pre-series vehicle and 20 Kongsberg remote weapon stations, which will be integrated onto the vehicles. The acquisition will also include an option for the additional purchase of 18 vehicles as well as provisions for vehicle outfitting, maintenance, spare parts and training.
“The heavy armoured vehicle variants deviate from Patria 6×6 basic vehicle variants with a higher protection rating and firepower that enables better cover, for example in crisis management tasks,” Jussi Järvinen, executive vice president of Patria’s Finland Division, was quoted as saying in a company press release.
“The heavy armoured Patria 6×6 vehicle with remote weapon systems is the end result of R&D teamwork of several countries,” Järvinen added.
In addition to Finland, the CAVS programme currently includes Latvia, Sweden and Germany. The programme commenced in 2020 and around 700 Patria 6×6 vehicles have so far been ordered under the collaborative effort.
The joint programme has also raised interest in other countries, according to Patria.
