Patria 6×6 is primarily designed for troop transport but can be configured for other roles as well. The basic platform can be tailored to meet varying user requirements by many optional features e.g. swimming system, winch, upgraded armour protection and diverse weapon systems.[2] Available weapons range from machine gun up to 25/30 mm medium calibre direct fire weapon systems and Patria Nemo 120 mm turreted mortar system.
The layout has driver and commander in front, engine compartment behind the driver and rear compartment for troop and role specific equipment. A passage in right side allows moving between front and rear compartments.
Patria 6×6 chassis is based on Patria AMVXP structures and components. The expected service life of the vehicle is more than 30 years.[2]
History
Patria 6x6 was launched at Eurosatory 2018 exhibition in June 2018. A variant with Patria Nemo turreted mortar system was exhibited in DSEi 2019 and a Heavy Armoured Personnel Carrier variant with 25 mm remote weapon system in DSEi 2021.
Common Armoured Vehicle System CAVS Program
In early 2020 Finland, Estonia and Latvia agreed a joint development programme for Common Armoured Vehicle Systems (CAVS) based on Patria 6x6. The programme remains open for other nations to join it.[4] As a result of CAVS Programme, Latvia announced an order for over 200 vehicles.[5] First vehicles were delivered in October 2021.[6] On May 24, 2024, the "Defence Partnership Latvia" production facility in Valmiera was opened, which will be able to produce up to 160 "Patria 6x6" armored vehicles during the year.[7] Finland followed with a letter of intent to procure 160 vehicles in 2023.[4] The FDF signed an agreement with Patria to acquire three pre-series vehicles delivered by summer 2022 for test use before the final serial order.[8] In 2022, Sweden and Germany joined the CAVS Programme.[9][10]
Sweden Joined the R&D phase of the program in June 2022.[14] With the first order for its army in 2023, the local designation was revealed, "Pansarterrängbil 300".[15][16]
20 vehicles ordered in April 2023 for the Lifeguard Regiment, with a delivery after the summer 2023.[17]
321 additional vehicles were ordered in March 2024. Besides the troop transport variant, command and medical transport variants were ordered as well. Starting 2025, deliveries are expected to continue until 2030.[18]
TPz Fuchs successor program: A statement of Intent to join the program was made public in June 2022.[19] The technical arrangement for the CAVS was official signed on April 17 2023. This vehicle and the Boxer will replace the TPz Fuchs and the M113. But as of November 2023, the replacement of the TPz Fuchs will be part of the competition. The Patria 6×6 will compete against the Pandur Evo 6×6 and the TPz Fuchs 1A9.[20]
SpähFz NG program (Spähfahrzeug Next Generation): Replacement of the Fennekscout vehicle, program launched in October 2023, in competition against the Pandur Evo 6×6 and the Iveco SuperAV.[21] The vehicles will have to be armed with a 25 mm gun, to use the Thales D-LBO systems, potentially to be amphibious. 2 prototypes to be delivered in 2026, 90 in 2027–2028, and 160 in option.
Estonia joined the program with Finland and Latvia in 2019, but later dropped out of the program.[22] The Estonian land forces ordered 230 vehicles for €200 million from Turkish defence companies:[23]Otokar ARMA (6×6) and Nurol Makina NMS (4×4).