The mobility of the Finnish Army is improved with the new XA-300 armoured personnel carriers. The Pori Brigade (Porin Prikaati) management team was already able to get to know the vehicles in Säkylä, and the XA-300 training for conscripts starts with the arrival batch on January 2024. The Pori Brigade based in Huovinrinne, Säkylä and Niinisalo, Kankaanpää is a Finnish Army unit, directly under the Army headquarters. It comprises six battalion-level units and also trains soldiers for the Finnish Rapid Deployment Force. The Patria XA-300 (Patria 6×6) is a six-wheeled armored personnel carrier produced by the Finnish defence industry company Patria. Patria 6×6 chassis is based on Patria AMVXP structures and components.
Patria 6×6 was launched at Eurosatory 2018 exhibition in June 2018. The expected service life of the vehicle is more than 30 years. While its primary role revolves around troop transport, its adaptable design allows for customization to cater to diverse operational needs. With an array of optional features like a swimming system, enhanced armor protection, winch capabilities, and various weapon systems, the vehicle stands as a multifaceted asset in the defense arsenal. It can accommodate weapons ranging from machine guns to 25/30 mm medium-caliber direct-fire weapon systems and the Patria Nemo 120 mm turreted mortar system.
This acquisition falls within the ambit of the multinational Finland-led CAVS (Common Armoured Vehicle Systems) program, involving collaboration with Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. The Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command sealed the deal for 91 Patria 6×6 vehicles along with spare parts, tools, and comprehensive operation and maintenance training. Moreover, there’s an option to purchase an additional 70 vehicles. Delivery of the initial batch is slated to commence in 2023, marking a significant leap in bolstering ground forces’ operational capabilities. The strategic foresight behind the CAVS Program resonates as a symbol of collaborative defense development.
Finland, Estonia, and Latvia initiated the joint development program, inviting other nations to participate. In a proactive move, Sweden and Germany recently joined the CAVS program, reinforcing the commitment to shared defense initiatives and propelling the program’s reach and impact across multiple borders. The CAVS Program exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to collective defense strategies, fostering cooperation and mutual support among nations for bolstered security measures. The deployment of the Patria XA-300 heralds a new era in ground force mobility, ensuring heightened operational effectiveness and adaptability. As the training for conscripts on these vehicles gears up to commence, the Finnish Defence Forces stand ready to embrace these advancements and further fortify their defense capabilities on the global stage.
