Within the framework of the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program, Germany has confirmed the purchase of a significant fleet of 876 new 6×6 armored combat vehicles from the Finnish company Patria to equip its Armed Forces. These vehicles will be delivered in up to four different variants. Equipped with the Patria NEMO mortar system and the Kongsberg RS4 remote weapon system, the fleet will require an investment of around €2 billion from Berlin and, as such, will be allocated to the German Army.
Expanding on some of the officially disclosed details, it should be noted that the first deliveries of these vehicles are expected to take place starting next year, while Patria will simultaneously move forward together with German industrial partners on the technology transfer clauses signed under the cooperation agreements reached in 2024. If the planned schedule is maintained, the first locally manufactured vehicles would be delivered to German troops in 2027, paving the way toward achieving full production capabilities to meet future vehicle requirements.
On these matters, Patria’s current President, Esa Rautalinko, stated: “I am pleased to announce that these CAVS contracts with Germany for the Patria 6×6 and the Patria NEMO represent the largest single agreement in Patria’s history, also making our 6×6 armored vehicle the European standard. Germany’s trust in Patria and in the CAVS program underscores a modern approach to multinational defense cooperation, fostering interoperable fleets and ensuring unprecedented security of supply through industrial cooperation. The German CAVS program will contribute to the Army’s ambition to achieve full combat readiness by 2029, and Patria is proud to be part of this development.”
On the other hand, it is also important to highlight that since 2023 Berlin has been part of the CAVS program, which also includes countries such as Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Norway, while the vehicles in question are already in service with Ukrainian forces following their transfer from Western allies. According to the company, this is a highly relevant program that allows the various partners to exchange technologies that can be leveraged collectively, while at the same time contributing to the creation of more interoperable forces to face current challenges.
Along these lines, it should be considered that Patria states it has received orders for more than 2,000 6×6 armored vehicles from different countries, with over 250 units already delivered to those customers. Among some well-known examples, Sweden can be mentioned, with an order for 321 units that will be known as the Pansarterrängbil 300, while Latvia expects to build a fleet of 256 units, a deal concluded in 2024.
Finally, and in line with the manufacturer’s view regarding the contributions each partner can make to the program, it is worth highlighting that the variant equipped with the 120 mm NEMO mortar systems is being developed specifically at Germany’s request. As early as February of this year, it was announced that the project would open the possibility of starting serial production in cooperation with German companies such as KNDS, FFG, and JWT. In addition, it was indicated that the design had already attracted interest from other CAVS program partners, who highlighted the value of the model as a highly versatile and capable platform for modern combat.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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