Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen has authorized the Finnish Defense Forces to procure armored 6×6 troop transport vehicles from Patria. The Army will acquire 91 armored troop transport vehicles along with associated equipment. The procurement includes spare parts, tools, as well as operational and maintenance training. The contract also includes an option for an additional procurement of up to 70 vehicles.
This serial procurement is part of the international Finland-led CAVS project (CAVS, Common Armoured Vehicle System), which involves participation from Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. Within the project, the countries, together with Patria, are developing a wheeled armored vehicle system that meets the common requirements for Patria’s 6×6 armored vehicle platform, encompassing various vehicle versions, including the troop transport vehicle being procured now.
By implementing this procurement, the mobility of the Finnish Army will be enhanced with domestic vehicles. These vehicles are well-suited for Finnish conditions and offer significant cost-effectiveness throughout their lifecycle, stated Defense Minister Kaikkonen.
The total taxable value of the procurement, including the option for additional procurement, amounts to nearly 208 million euros.
The domestic employment impact of the procurement is estimated at 180 person-years.
Deliveries of the vehicles will commence in 2023.
For Finland, this project will contribute to the development of the Army’s mobility capabilities until the 2060s.
A letter of intent between the Ministry of Defense and Patria regarding the order of new troop transport vehicles for Finland was signed in 2021.