With the aim of strengthening mobility and armored transport capabilities, Patria and Babcock International Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to present the Patria 6×6 armored vehicle as a solution for the British Army’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP). This agreement combines Patria’s expertise in system design and development with Babcock’s construction and support capabilities, aligning with the UK Ministry of Defence’s industrial strategy.
Under this agreement, Patria will lead the system’s design and development, implementing specific enhancements to meet the British Army’s operational requirements. Meanwhile, Babcock will be responsible for production in the UK, ensuring the vehicle’s support and availability throughout its lifecycle. This collaboration not only guarantees an efficient manufacturing approach but also strengthens the country’s local industrial capability.
The Patria 6×6 is a modular, robust, and cost-effective platform designed for multiple mission-specific configurations. It is currently part of the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program, led by Finland, with Latvia, Sweden, and Germany also participating. With over 800 units ordered and more than 200 delivered, the vehicle is operational in several NATO partner nations, offering high standards of protection and mobility for complex environments.
Regarding this agreement, Hugo Vanbockryck, Senior Vice President for Patria’s European market area, stated: “We are pleased to initiate a unique partnership that will bring significant added value to the UK. Europe needs collaboration and joint procurement, and the UK quickly needs a cost-effective, fully developed, and ready-to-use vehicle platform. The Patria 6×6 is already in production, used by NATO partner nations, and will be manufactured and supported locally in the UK to meet the British Army’s high requirements and technical standards.”
The search for new wheeled armored vehicles falls under the Land Mobility Programme (LMP), aimed at streamlining the vehicle fleet by replacing multiple platforms in service with four main families, reducing operational costs, and optimizing support throughout the vehicles’ lifecycle. Notably, the LMP is categorized into: LMP Utility – 3,000 vehicles up to 7,000 kg; LMP Light – 2,500 vehicles up to 10,000 kg; LMP Medium – 2,000 vehicles up to 20,000 kg; and LMP Heavy – 500 vehicles between 20,000 and 40,000 kg, with Patria’s development falling within the latter specifications.
Additionally, through the LPTM program, the UK is evaluating the introduction of wheeled utility platforms to enhance current vehicle capabilities, such as those of the Land Rover and Pinzgauer. Recently, in the LMP Light segment, GM Defense presented the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), already acquired by the U.S. and Canadian armies. Meanwhile, for the LMP Medium category, they introduced the Light Utility Vehicle (LUV), based on the Chevrolet Silverado, and the Next Generation Light Tactical Wheeled Vehicle (NGLTWV), respectively.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
You may also like: The UK government is accused of underselling the decommissioned amphibious assault ships of the Royal Navy
