Germany: 1,000 Patria 6x6 APCs instead of 900 Rheinmetall Fuchs A9?.

According to a Bild report on April 10, 2024, the German Defense Ministry would have finally chosen the Finnish Patria 6x6 over the German Fuchs A9 Evolution to replace its aging fleet of Fuchs 1 6x6 armored personnel carriers (APCs), contrary to a previous Bloomberg report. The ministry cited the lack of serial production of the Fuchs Evolution and the comparative cost efficiency of the Patria 6x6 as key reasons for their decision.
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The German Defense Ministry would have finally chosen the Finnish Patria 6x6 over the German Fuchs A9 Evolution to replace its aging fleet of Fuchs 1 6x6 armored personnel carriers (APCs). (Picture source: Army Recognition)

As part of a €7 billion modernization strategy, the German government intends to confirm an order for hundreds of new 6x6 armored personnel carriers (APCs), valued up to €4 billion, to gradually replace the aging Fuchs 1, in service for over four decades. Bild reports the plan now involves purchasing between 800 and 1,000 units of the Finnish Patria 6x6, instead of an order for as many as 900 Fuchs A9 Evolution APCs. Deliveries are expected to start in 2026, while the official contract is expected to be signed in the fall of 2024.

As previously reported, approval from the lower house of Germany's parliament is necessary for the procurement plans to proceed, following the country's response to the Ukraine conflict. Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a special €100 billion fund for military spending, in addition to the regular annual defense budget of approximately €52 billion. This funding has allowed Germany to achieve NATO's defense spending target of at least 2% of its gross domestic product annually, set in 2006, for the first time.

Bild indicates that the decision to opt for the Finnish Patria 6x6 over the Fuchs Evolution from Rheinmetall was influenced by factors including cost efficiency and the current status of production for the proposed models. This decision could also be linked to the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) project, aimed at standardizing armored vehicle practices and technology among member nations, including Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany, with the Patria 6x6 chosen as the platform for this initiative.

The selection of the Patria 6x6 marks a shift in the Bundeswehr's procurement strategy, focusing on operational requirements and budgetary constraints. Despite competition from a domestic manufacturer, the Finnish vehicle was deemed more suitable for the Bundeswehr’s needs. Due to Patria's limited production capacity, fulfilling the Bundeswehr’s order will involve DSL (Defence Service Logistics) from Freisen and FFG from Flensburg, to ensure timely delivery.

Powered by an inline-five 394hp diesel engine, the Patria 6x6 exhibits notable performance characteristics, including a maximum speed exceeding 100 km/h and an operational range exceeding 700 km. Its design enables maneuverability across challenging terrains, with recognized climbing and trench-crossing capabilities.

The vehicle's design prioritizes crew protection, with a modular system supporting various levels of ballistic, mine, and IED protection, aligned with STANAG specifications. Its armament versatility accommodates a wide array of weapons systems tailored to mission-specific needs, ranging from machine guns to anti-tank guided missiles, and heavier systems like Patria's NEMO 120mm mortar system.

Additionally, the Patria 6x6 can integrate various advanced communication systems, enhancing its C4ISR capabilities and ensuring interoperability on the battlefield. Its adaptable design allows for multiple configurations to fulfill different mission requirements, demonstrating its capability to serve various roles from an armored personnel carrier to a specialized command vehicle.