Latvian military receives first locally produced Patria Armored Carrier

Europe, News August 8, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

The Latvian National Armed Forces have received their first locally-produced Patria armored personnel carriers (APCs). A ceremony marking this significant milestone was held at the Adazi military base in central Latvia, attended by the nation’s defense minister, Andris Spruds.

In August 2021, Riga signed a contract with the Finnish defense manufacturer Patria to supply more than 200 6×6 APCs, to be produced on Latvian soil. This strategic move was aimed at bolstering Latvia’s defense technology and industrial base, while simultaneously enhancing the combat capabilities of the Latvian military.

The contract represents a significant step forward in Latvia’s efforts to modernize its armed forces in response to regional security challenges, particularly those posed by Russia’s military activities.

Ugis Romanovs, chairman of the Latvia-Patria partnership, highlighted the importance of this development: “We have reached the most significant milestone of the project — the delivery of the first armored personnel carrier full-cycle produced in Latvia to the National Armed Forces.” Romanovs’ statement underscores the pride and strategic importance of achieving this capability within Latvia.

Earlier this year, Patria inaugurated a new production facility in Valmiera, Latvia. This site is noteworthy as the first-ever full-cycle production plant for 6×6 armored vehicles in the Baltic region. The facility is expected to produce approximately 30 Patria APCs annually for the Latvian National Armed Forces, significantly boosting Latvia’s defense production capabilities.

“With the opening of the Valmiera plant in May, we are focusing on the Latvian armored personnel carrier order, but we are also actively working to implement other capability development projects (for the Latvian military),” Romanovs said, indicating broader ambitions for Latvia’s defense sector.

The Patria 6×6 APC

Launched at Eurosatory in 2018, the Patria 6×6 was developed to meet the increasing demands of the modern battlefield. This vehicle offers improved modularity, high performance, and cost-effectiveness, making it versatile for a wide variety of missions. It is fully amphibious, capable of accommodating up to three crew members and 10 soldiers, and can achieve a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour.

*^{Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier. (Image Credit: Patria Group)}*

Specifications and features

The Patria 6×6 APC is equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance operational effectiveness and survivability. Key features include:

Modular design: Allows for various configurations to suit different mission requirements.
High Performance: Capable of navigating diverse terrains with ease, offering reliable mobility.
Cost-Effectiveness: Designed to be economical regarding production and maintenance, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Amphibious Capability: Provides strategic flexibility in operations involving water obstacles.
Capacity: Can carry three crew members plus ten soldiers, enabling substantial personnel transport.

The rest of the Patria APCs under the contract are expected to be delivered before 2029. This ongoing delivery schedule ensures that the Latvian National Armed Forces will continue to receive these advanced vehicles, thereby steadily enhancing their operational readiness and capabilities.