The Latvian Ministry of Defense has entered into an agreement with Finnish defense contractor Patria Land Oyj to acquire 56 new Patria 6×6 command vehicles.
This deal, valued at approximately €60 million ($63million), marks a key development within the multinational Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) program, aimed at enhancing Latvia’s defense capabilities.
The new command vehicles are part of a completely upgraded version of the Patria 6×6, developed under the CAVS research and development program, which involved collaboration with the defense ministries and armed forces of Finland and Sweden. The command variant is designed to enhance situational awareness on the battlefield, facilitating quick and secure information exchange during operations.
Latvia’s Minister of Defense, Andris Sprūds, emphasized the importance of the acquisition for Latvia’s military readiness. “The new Patria 6×6 command vehicles will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of our armed forces, while also supporting the development of Latvia’s defense industry, continuing our successful defense-industry cooperation,” Sprūds said.
Patria Latvia’s CEO, Uģis Romanovs, highlighted the importance of local production: “We are pleased to fulfill this new order from the Ministry of Defense right here in Latvia, strengthening the capabilities of the National Armed Forces. The plant opened in Valmiera in May is fully prepared for the production of the new Patria 6×6 vehicles. It is a high responsibility, made possible by the transfer of technology and expertise from Finland, and the efforts of our competent ‘Defence Partnership Latvia’ team.”
The first command vehicles are expected to be delivered to the Latvian National Armed Forces by the end of this year, with the remaining units arriving gradually until 2029.
Latvian industry involvement remains a key condition of the production, with components and structural elements for the command vehicles expected to be sourced from a cluster of Latvian companies. The assembly and manufacturing will take place at the Defence Partnership Latvia facility in Valmiera.
This new agreement follows Latvia’s signing of the initial procurement framework for over 200 Patria 6×6 armored vehicles as part of a joint intergovernmental collaboration with Finland, Sweden, and Germany on August 30, 2021. Since then, Latvia has continued cooperation within the CAVS research and development framework, working alongside its partner countries on developing a common command platform.
