Finnish army to get 91 Patria 6x6 armored vehicles as a part of multinational Finland-led CAVS.

Patria on June 2 announced that the Finnish Defence Forces purchase Patria 6x6 armoured vehicles as a part of the multinational Finland-led CAVS (Common Armoured Vehicle Systems) programme that also features Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. Patria signed the agreement for 91 vehicles with the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command. In addition to the vehicles, the purchase includes spare parts, tools as well as operation and maintenance training, in addition to a purchase option for 70 vehicles. Deliveries of the vehicles will begin in 2023.
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Thanks to its modular design, the Patria 6x6 can be easily configured to fulfill various roles and missions (Picture source: Patria)

In 2022, the Finnish Defence Forces acquired three pre-series vehicles which were in test use before the actual serial order. During the test phase, the Finnish Army had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the different features and operational use of Patria 6x6 vehicles, as well as define the final requirements for the serial order vehicles.

“Finland's serial order is a remarkable milestone for the entire CAVS programme. With this order, Patria 6x6 armoured vehicles are already being manufactured in Hämeenlinna, Finland for three countries. This serial order is the largest vehicle agreement between Patria and the Finnish Defence Forces in many decades. In Finland, Patria 6x6 vehicles continue in the footsteps of XA-series vehicles, better known as Pasi, as we continue to develop the performance and mobility of the Finnish Army at least until the 2060s, or even longer," says Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Finland Division.

The multinational CAVS programme has proceeded as planned. Germany joined the programme recently and Sweden has ordered its first 20 vehicles. Deliveries to Latvia have been underway since 2021. The joint 6x6 vehicle programme has attracted interest and it is also open to other countries with the mutual consent of the participating countries.

Patria 6x6

With a length of approximately 8.4 meters, a width of around 2.8 meters, and a height of about 2.4 meters (with turret), the Patria 6x6 is a substantial vehicle. It has a combat weight of roughly 26 tonnes.

The vehicle's mobility is ensured by a diesel engine with a high power-to-weight ratio, allowing it to reach speeds of over 100 km/h on road. With a range of approximately 600 km on-road, the Patria 6x6 can cover significant distances without refueling.

One of the primary focuses of the Patria 6x6 is crew protection. It is equipped with advanced ballistic and mine protection systems. The specific details of the armor protection levels and specifications may vary depending on the chosen variant and configuration.

In terms of armament and weapon systems, the Patria 6x6 offers great flexibility. It can be fitted with different weapon options to suit specific mission requirements. Common armament choices include a remotely operated weapon station, a machine gun, an automatic cannon, anti-tank guided missiles, and other anti-aircraft or anti-personnel weapons. The actual armament and weapon systems installed depend on the customer's specifications.

Thanks to its modular design, the Patria 6x6 can be easily configured to fulfill various roles and missions. It serves as an armored personnel carrier (APC), command vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle, or weapons platform, among others.

The vehicle incorporates advanced communication systems, enabling seamless information exchange and command-and-control capabilities on the battlefield. It can be integrated with various Communication, Command, Control, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems to enhance situational awareness and interoperability.

Patria offers the option to customize the Patria 6x6 to meet the specific requirements and preferences of different customer nations. This ensures that the vehicle can be tailored to suit the unique operational needs of each user.

Signing ceremony. From left to right: Jussi Järvinen, EVP, Patria’s Finland Division, Esa Rautalinko, President and CEO, Patria, Chief of Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, Major General Jari Mikkonen and Debity Manager of Finnish Defence Forces Logistic Command, Brigadier General Engineering Juha-Matti Ylitalo (Picture source: Patria).

Defense News June 2023