Latvia has contracted Finnish firm Patria to build and deliver an additional 56 Patria armored personnel carriers (APCs) for over 60 million euros ($63.3 million).
The vehicles will serve as command and control units for the Latvian military, with deliveries beginning this year through 2029.
A total of 200 6×6 APCs are already being delivered to Latvia under a previous contract as part of the Common Armoured Vehicle System program, a joint initiative between Finland, Germany, Latvia, and Sweden.
They will be produced on Latvian soil under the 200-million-euro ($210 million) contract signed in 2021.
This is intended to bolster the country’s defense technology and industrial base, along with its military capabilities.
“The new Patria 6×6 armored command and control vehicles will significantly improve the operational capabilities of our armed forces, as well as contribute to the development of the Latvian military industry, continuing the successful cooperation between the defense sector and industry,” Latvian Minister of Defense Andris Spruds said.
Patria 6×6
The vehicle is primarily designed for troop transport but can also be configured for roles such as combat support.
It comes with STANAG level 2 ballistic and mine protection and has the payload capacity for optional STANAG level 4 protection.
The vehicle weighs 15.5 to 24 tons and has a payload capacity of 8.5 tons.
It can carry up to 10 troops in the rear and a crew of two in the front cabin, with all their equipment in a protected hull.
The highly mobile vehicle features amphibious capability for water crossings and optional amphibious landing capability.