Latvia begins the production of Finnish Patria 6×6 armored vehicles for Ukraine.

As reported by the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia on February 4, 2025, Latvia has begun production of Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers for Ukraine, with the first batch currently being assembled. The Ukrainian ambassador to Latvia, Anatolii Kutsevol, visited the Valmiera facility to observe the production process. This future delivery is part of Latvia’s military support to Ukraine, which includes training, drone deliveries, and other equipment transfers.
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With a top speed of 100 km/h and an operational range of 700 km, the Patria 6×6 could perform various roles, such as troop transport and reconnaissance, by providing an enhanced resistance against small arms fire, artillery fragments, and mines. (Picture source: Patria)

The production of Patria 6×6 APCs in Latvia is overseen by Defense Partnership Latvia, a joint venture between Patria and the Latvian company Unitruck. The manufacturing facility in Valmiera, which opened in May 2024, has an annual production capacity of up to 30 vehicles. The facility also supports local manufacturing of armored hulls by EMJ Metāls SIA. The first Patria 6×6 APC built in Latvia for the Latvian Armed Forces was delivered in August 2024.

Latvia ordered more than 200 Patria 6×6 vehicles under the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program, with deliveries scheduled between 2021 and 2029. The first four units were delivered in October 2021, with additional deliveries continuing, including an order for 56 more vehicles in November 2024. In September 2024, reports indicated that Latvia was preparing to transfer an unspecified number of Patria APCs to Ukraine in 2025 as part of a 40 million euro military aid package.

Latvia’s procurement of Patria APCs is part of a broader European initiative, with funding partially provided by the European Union. Germany joined the CAVS program in 2023, following Finland, Latvia, and Sweden, to enhance interoperability across European armed forces. The program aims to ensure supply chain security through local industrial capabilities. The Valmiera facility is the only full-cycle Patria 6×6 production site in the Baltics.

The Patria 6×6 is an armored personnel carrier designed for roles including troop transport and reconnaissance. It has a diesel engine and independent suspension for mobility across various terrains. The vehicle has a modular design that allows the integration of different weapon systems, such as remote-controlled turrets and heavy-caliber weapons like the NEMO 120mm mortar system. The Latvian vehicles are being produced in the command and staff variant under the November 2024 order.

With a top speed of 100 km/h and an operational range of 700 km, the Patria 6×6 is designed for extended operations. Its armor meets STANAG 4569 protection standards, providing resistance against small arms fire, artillery fragments, and mines. The vehicle has capacity for up to 10 fully equipped soldiers, with customization options depending on mission requirements. Its modular armor system allows for different levels of protection, and an amphibious capability can be added if needed.

Latvia has provided extensive military aid to Ukraine, including artillery systems, anti-tank weapons, missiles, drones, helicopters, and communication equipment. The country has donated self-propelled howitzers, Mi-8 and Mi-2 transport helicopters, and Stinger anti-aircraft missile systems. Latvia has also delivered over 285 vehicles, additional equipment, and medical supplies, along with financial support through the European Peace Fund. In terms of training, Latvia has provided instruction for thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and is engaged in demining and rehabilitation programs. The government has pledged to allocate 0.25% of its GDP annually for military assistance to Ukraine, which amounts to approximately 100 million euros per year.