Latvia to Receive First Locally Produced Patria 6X6 Armored Personnel Carrier in Early August.

The Latvian National Armed Forces will receive the first Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier (APC), fully manufactured at a local plant, in early August 2024. This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new phase in Latvia’s defense capabilities, according to a report from the Latvian Ministry of Defense. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Patria 6×6 is a wheeled, medium-range armored personnel carrier designed to transport troops safely and efficiently (Picture source: Patria)

The handover ceremony is scheduled for August 5 at the military base in Ādaži. Before this, the military and representatives from the manufacturer will conduct a series of operational tests at the Adazhi military training ground to ensure the vehicle's readiness.

The Patria 6×6 is a wheeled, medium-range armored personnel carrier designed to transport troops safely and efficiently. It features a modular design that allows for various configurations, high off-road mobility, and protection against ballistic threats and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The vehicle can carry up to 12 people, including the driver, and is equipped with a Common-Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) in a nose cone for enhanced capabilities. Its maximum speed reaches 100 km/h on roads, and it has a range of 700 km, making it a valuable asset for modern military forces.

In May, a new armored vehicle plant was opened in Valmiera, Latvia, specifically for the production of these APCs. This facility belongs to Defence Partnership Latvia, a joint venture established in 2020 between the Finnish defense company Patria and the Latvian company Unitruck, with Patria holding a majority stake. The plant aims to produce about 30 wheeled armored vehicles per year, focusing on supplying the Latvian defense forces. Additionally, Latvia has begun producing hulls for these APCs, with the local company EMJ Metāls SIA certified to manufacture them independently of Finnish specialists.

Local production and assembly of armored personnel carriers are crucial for Latvia’s national security. By shortening supply chains and reducing dependency on foreign components, Latvia aims to ensure a steady and uninterrupted supply of military equipment for its armed forces. The new facility in Valmiera completes the full production cycle, including welding and painting of APC hulls on-site.

In October 2020, the Ministries of Defense of Latvia and Finland, along with Patria, signed an agreement to initiate research and development of a new family of Patria 6×6 wheeled armored personnel carriers. This collaboration led Latvia to order more than 200 APCs as part of a joint program, with deliveries scheduled from 2021 to 2029. The first four units were delivered in October 2021.

Recently, Defence Partnership Latvia and the Latvian Ministry of Defense agreed to conduct vehicle tests at the Ādaži military training ground. This temporary solution will continue until relevant regulatory adjustments are made. The Ministry of Defense has also proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Law to facilitate long-term testing and movement of locally produced military equipment.

Despite legislative and logistical challenges, the delivery of Patria 6×6 APCs to the Latvian National Armed Forces remains on schedule. The Ministry of Defense, in collaboration with the National Armed Forces and other state institutions, continues to support the growth of Latvia’s military industry.

On August 5, the first fully locally produced Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier will be officially handed over to the Latvian National Armed Forces, highlighting the progress in Latvia’s defense manufacturing capabilities and ongoing efforts to strengthen national security.