The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets materielverk, FMV) has signed a technical agreement with Estonia, Finland, and Latvia to jointly develop a new 6×6 armoured personnel carrier (APC) under the Finnish-led Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme. The armoured wheeled vehicle programme of the Army started in 2019 as multinational collaboration activity together with Latvia and Estonia. Autumn 2020, the programme proceeded with Latvia to the research and product development phase. Latvia ordered the first lot of more than 200 armoured personnel carriers in August 2021.
On 10 December 2021, the steering committee of the CAVS programme approved Sweden’s accession to the project. Still to be examined are the details relating to Sweden’s joining, such as becoming included in the contractual arrangements. More detailed objectives of Sweden as well as the specific timeframe will be worked out during further negotiations. This sends a strong signal that defence materiel collaboration between Finland and Sweden works and that there is a willingness to develop inter-nation interoperability and connectivity as well as Army combined operating capability.
The Patria 6×6 Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) combines all the proven features of Patria XA and AMV vehicles. It is simplified, reliable and designed to meet the highest requirements of customers. Its capable off-road mobility is guaranteed by an efficient power unit and the independent suspension familiar from Patria AMV vehicle. Due to the spacious interior and well-defined functions, the vehicle is easy to operate and to train. Patria is an international provider of defence, security and aviation life cycle support services, pilot training and technology solutions.
Latvia ordered the first more than 200 personnel carrier armoured vehicles in August 2021, of which Patria delivered the first vehicles to Latvia at the end of October. In turn, the Finnish Ministry of Defence and Patria have signed a letter of intent on ordering 160 new personnel carrier vehicles for Finland in 2023. Finland and Patria in turn signed a Letter of Intent on the forthcoming serial order of Finland. The joint programme is open to other countries with the mutual consent of the participating countries. In general, this common vehicle system will improve the mobility, cost-effectiveness, interoperability, and security of supply of armies in the participating countries.
