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EU funds new armored vehicle development for four member countries under CAVS program.
On November 14, 2024, the European Commission announced funding of €60 million to support the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) project under the EDIRPA program (European Defense Industry Reinforcement Instrument through Joint Procurement). This ambitious project aims to develop a modern and common armored vehicle designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the armed forces of four European states: Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. The objective of the CAVS is to address the growing needs for troop mobility and protection while fostering cooperation between European countries and standardizing military equipment.
European CAVS project could be based on a proven platform such as the Patria 6x6 Armored Vehicle (Picture source: Patria)
The CAVS (Common Armoured Vehicle System) project seeks to support the joint acquisition of modern 6x6 armored vehicles within the framework of a multinational program for the development, procurement, and lifecycle management of modern armored vehicle systems. This project is based on similar capability needs among the participating member states, thereby creating a foundation for enhanced cooperation and added value. The CAVS program has already revitalized the serial production of 6x6 wheeled armored vehicles in Europe and continues to increase production capacity on the continent. The project is supported by four entities from EU member states: the Finnish Defence Forces, the Latvian Ministry of Defence, Sweden’s Försvarets Materielverk, and Germany’s Bundeswehr. The initiative benefits from a maximum EU contribution of €60,000,000 under the EDIRPA instrument for 2024.
The primary goal of the CAVS project is to design and produce a common armored vehicle optimized for the protected transport of troops while meeting the varied operational needs of the participating states. This vehicle will integrate advanced technologies to ensure superior protection against ballistic threats, mines, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Its modular design will allow it to be adapted for various missions, such as troop transport, medical evacuations, logistical support, reconnaissance, and combat operations. Additionally, its exceptional mobility, enabled by a design suited to difficult terrains and optimized off-road capabilities, will ensure the vehicle's high autonomy in complex environments.
The CAVS project also aims to promote a standardization approach that would reduce the current fragmentation of military equipment within the European Union. By opting for a common vehicle, the participating states will benefit from economies of scale through centralized production and harmonized maintenance. This standardization will also facilitate increased interoperability between the armed forces of different countries, simplifying joint operations and logistical exchanges. Furthermore, the project will support the European defense industry by fostering the design and manufacturing of the vehicle within the EU, thus contributing to strengthening Europe’s autonomy in this strategic domain.
The development of the CAVS also aligns with a broader context of strengthening European strategic sovereignty, particularly emphasized by the geopolitical tensions related to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. This conflict has highlighted the need to modernize the EU's military capabilities and reduce its dependence on external suppliers. It is within this dynamic that the EU has chosen to invest heavily in projects like the CAVS, symbolizing a commitment to enhancing collective defense capabilities while asserting sovereignty in the face of external challenges.
Once designed and deployed, the CAVS armored vehicle will not only enhance the operational capabilities of the four participating states but will also establish a common standard for future collaborations among EU member states. This project represents a key step toward a more integrated and resilient European defense, capable of addressing current and future strategic challenges in a coherent and coordinated manner.
Under the international Common Armoured Vehicles System (CAVS) programme Patria will be the prime contractor if Germany decides to procure Patria vehicles. Patria will lead the design and development of the system, while DSL in Freisen and FFG in their units in Flensburg (FFG) and Kirchen (JWT) will provide local engineering, production, and life-cycle support in Germany. Along with the now starting more detailed localization preparation, the team will engage also other German companies to the programme effort.
Interestingly, the vehicle developed under the CAVS project could be based on a proven platform such as the Patria 6x6, already used by several European armies. This armored vehicle, produced by the Finnish company Patria, is renowned for its robustness, modularity, and ability to fulfill a wide range of missions, making it an ideal foundation for a European standardization project. The Patria 6x6 offers excellent protection against ballistic threats and mines while being capable of navigating difficult terrains thanks to its independent suspension and high off-road mobility. Moreover, its modularity allows the vehicle to be easily adapted for different roles, such as troop transport, armored ambulance, or even configurations for command or reconnaissance missions. By choosing an already proven and widely used platform, the EU could accelerate the development of the CAVS while leveraging existing technologies and logistics, thus facilitating the transition to a common armored vehicle for its armed forces.
The objective of the CAVS program is the development of a 6x6 armored vehicle system to meet the needs of the member countries. Sweden joined the CAVS program in 2022, followed by Germany in 2023. Finland has ordered 164 Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) under the project and has also signed an agreement for HAPC vehicles intended for crisis management. Latvia, involved in the program from the beginning, has ordered over 200 APCs and recently signed a contract for 56 C2 vehicles. Last spring, Sweden signed a contract for a total of 321 CAVS vehicles.
The Patria 6x6 stands out for its modularity, enabling it to adapt to a wide variety of military and security missions. It can be configured for troop transport, with a capacity to accommodate 10 fully equipped soldiers, or for medical evacuations through an ambulance module equipped with stretchers and patient stabilization equipment. The vehicle can also serve as a mobile command post, integrating advanced communication systems and workstations for strategic operations. In a logistical support role, it can carry up to 8,500 kg of equipment, with an option to integrate a handling crane. For combat missions, it can be equipped with remotely operated turrets, anti-tank missiles, or air defense systems. Its reconnaissance capabilities include optical and infrared sensors, surveillance radars, and even onboard tactical drones. Finally, technical support configurations allow for field maintenance and towing of damaged vehicles. This versatility makes the Patria 6x6 an essential platform to meet the varied needs of European armed forces while enhancing interoperability and operational efficiency.