The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a research and development (R&D) agreement for the Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) programme. In April this year, Sweden signed a technical agreement with Estonia, Finland, and Latvia to jointly develop a new armoured off-road vehicle based on Patria’s new 6×6 chassis. The agreement signing follows after the country announced its intention to join the Finnish-led multinational programme in December last year. The CAVS programme began as a multinational cooperation between Latvia, Estonia and Finland in 2019. It moved to the R&D phase with Latvia in 2020. Patria is serving as the industrial partner for the development of the product.
The programme has progressed to the selection of a common platform and a troop transport variant. In addition, the joint programme will develop additional variants to serve other functions including wagons for command, ambulance and grenade launchers. Last year, Patria delivered the first 6×6 armoured wheeled vehicles to Latvia. Finland agreed in January this year to purchase pre-series vehicles for testing before placing its final serial order. Based on the analysis, Sweden is expected to take decisions on entering future pacts and procuring vehicles to meet the country’s defence requirements. The CAVS programme, initiated to improve the mobility of ground forces, is also open for more nations to join.
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.
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. The armoured wheeled vehicle programme of the Army started in 2019 as multinational collaboration activity together with Latvia and Estonia.
