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Patria and Babcock Join Forces to Deliver 6x6 Armored Vehicles for British Army.
On January 22, 2025, Patria and Babcock International Group announced the signing of a strategic partnership to deliver a customized version of the Patria 6x6 armored personnel carrier (APC) to the British Army. This agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to develop an advanced vehicle platform tailored to the operational requirements of the British Army while supporting the United Kingdom’s defense industry, in line with the Ministry of Defence’s Land Industrial Strategy.
Since its production began in 2020, the Patria 6x6 has established itself as a competitive solution among modern armored vehicles (Picture source: Patria)
Patria, a key player in armored vehicle design with more than 40 years of experience, will oversee the development and modification of the 6x6 platform to meet the specific needs of the British Army. Babcock, a well-established industrial partner of the UK’s defense sector, will be responsible for local production, leveraging its advanced facilities and skilled workforce to ensure the manufacturing and logistical support of these vehicles throughout their lifecycle.
The Patria 6x6 was initially developed under the multinational CAVS (Common Armoured Vehicle System) program, which currently includes Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Germany. This modular platform is notable for its versatility, technical performance, and ability to adapt to various operational requirements. With dimensions of 7.6 meters in length (extendable to 8.2 meters), 2.5 meters in height, and 2.9 meters in width, the vehicle is designed to excel in modern combat environments by combining mobility, protection, and firepower.
The vehicle is powered by a Scania 5-cylinder inline turbodiesel engine with a displacement of 9.31 liters, producing 294 kW of power, which can be increased to 325 kW. The engine generates a maximum torque of 1,870 Nm, which can be raised to 1,910 Nm. This powertrain is paired with a ZF automatic transmission offering seven forward gears and two reverse gears, along with permanent all-wheel drive for optimized mobility.
The Patria 6x6 is equipped with 14.00R20 wheels, a central tire inflation system (CTIS), and run-flat tires, enabling high performance across varied terrain. The vehicle features pneumatically operated hydraulic disc brakes with ABS, hydraulically assisted steering for the first two axles, and fully independent suspension with hydro-pneumatic spring elements, ensuring maneuverability and stability even in challenging environments.
Since its production began in 2020, the Patria 6x6 has established itself as a competitive solution among modern armored vehicles. Its modular design and capacity to transport up to 10 fully equipped soldiers make it well-suited for enhancing military operational capabilities. Compatible with various weapon and communication systems, the vehicle has been adopted by countries participating in the CAVS program, including Finland, Sweden, and Latvia. This year, 25 units will be delivered to the Latvian Armed Forces as part of an annual production rate of 30 vehicles.
With a maximum combat weight of 24,000 kg, a payload capacity of 8,500 kg, and an operational range exceeding 700 km, the Patria 6x6 is engineered to meet demanding military scenarios. The vehicle can reach a top speed of 100 km/h, climb gradients of up to 60%, overcome obstacles up to 0.6 meters high, cross trenches of 1.2 meters, and ford water depths of up to 1.5 meters. An optional flotation system enables waterborne operations at speeds of 6 to 8 km/h.
In terms of protection, the Patria 6x6 is equipped with a modular system that offers resistance against ballistic threats, mines, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The platform is also designed to incorporate future protection technologies. Additional features, such as maintenance-free LED lighting, underscore its modern design and durability.
The CAVS program exemplifies a collaborative European approach to developing standardized but adaptable military equipment that meets national requirements. Germany, for example, is considering the acquisition of approximately 1,000 units of the Patria 6x6 to replace its aging fleet of Fuchs armored vehicles, with orders anticipated by 2025.
For the UK, the partnership between Patria and Babcock represents a significant opportunity to enhance its military capabilities while supporting local industry. According to Hugo Vanbockryck, Patria’s Senior Vice President for Europe, the collaboration addresses dual objectives: providing the British Army with a tested and reliable solution and strengthening domestic industrial capacity. Tom Newman, CEO of Babcock, emphasized the synergy between British and Finnish expertise in delivering a vehicle aligned with the UK’s strategic and industrial priorities.
The Patria 6x6 offers a modern, reliable solution to the operational needs of the British Army while addressing long-term defense objectives. This collaboration between Patria and Babcock marks a critical step in reinforcing the UK’s industrial sovereignty and contributing to collective European defense efforts.