Nations Addressing Urgent Needs for Improved Mobility

The Finnish and Latvian MoDs have signed a framework agreement for the procurement phase of the Patria 6×6 wheeled armoured vehicle developed as part of the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS), Patria announced on 30 August.

The company also stated an agreement has been reached with Latvia for the supply of at least 200 vehicles, with the Latvian MoD reporting earlier in August contract value at approximately €200 million. Separately, the Finnish MoD announced that it had signed a letter of intent for the procurement of 160 vehicles in 2023.

Deliveries to Latvia will take place between 2021 and 2029, Patria states, and the Finnish MoD added that development of further variants and lifecycle support will continue, based on the joint requirements established by the two countries.

Both nations have pressing needs to improve the mobility of their armoured forces as part of a force posture designed to deter Russian aggression. At the same time, both countries must meet international expectations for peace support operations. The 6×6 will replace the Patria XA-180 series in Finnish service and contribute towards both of these goals.

Morgan Douro reporting for MON