Finland Purchases Locally-Made Patria 6x6 Armored Vehicles.

The Finnish Defence Forces are set to acquire an advanced fleet of heavy armored vehicles. As part of the ongoing Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) program, Finland will procure Patria 6x6 armored vehicles, a decision approved by Finnish Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen. Patria relayed this information on April 26, 2024.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Patria 6x6 is an armored vehicle designed by the Finnish company Patria. (Picture source: Patria Group)

The first phase of this strategic acquisition includes a pre-series vehicle and 20 remote weapon stations from Kongsberg, which will be integrated into these vehicles. Notably, the deal also offers the option to purchase an additional 18 cars and covers essential aspects such as vehicle outfitting, maintenance, spare parts, and training.

Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Finland Division, highlighted the superior features of the heavy armored variants. “These vehicles offer increased protection and firepower, providing enhanced cover for tasks such as crisis management,” Järvinen explained. He added that these features result from intensive research and development efforts spanning several countries.

The Patria 6x6 is an armored vehicle designed by the Finnish company Patria. Equipped with either a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun, it is suited for a variety of military missions. The vehicle can accommodate a crew of two plus nine soldiers, thus facilitating significant group operations.

In terms of protection, the Patria 6x6 offers impressive resistance against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds and fragmentation devices, ensuring the safety of occupants even in hostile environments. The vehicle's dimensions also provide good maneuverability, with a length of 7.52 meters, a width of 2.93 meters, and a height of 3.08 meters.

Performance-wise, the Patria 6x6 can reach a maximum speed of 95 km/h on the road, thanks to its weight of 23 tons, and has a range of 800 km, making it ideal for long-distance missions. It is also equipped with various accessories to enhance its operational efficiency, such as night vision systems, NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection, and an air conditioning system to improve crew comfort. Currently, the Patria 6x6 is used by several countries including the Netherlands, Estonia, and Denmark.

The CAVS program, initiated in 2020, includes international collaboration with Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. The partnership has resulted in orders for around 700 Patria 6x6 vehicles, indicating robust interest and investment in the platform, which continues to attract global attention.

Defense News April 2024