Germany has formalized a significant defense agreement with Finnish vehicle manufacturer Patria, committing to contracts exceeding 2 billion euros (approximately $2.3 billion) for the procurement of 876 Common Armored Vehicle Systems (CAVS).
This extensive order encompasses four distinct variants of the CAVS, which include models equipped with Patria’s proprietary NEMO mortar turret as well as Kongsberg’s Protector RS4 remote-controlled weapon station. The first deliveries of these armored vehicles are scheduled to commence in 2026.
In a move that underscores a commitment to domestic capabilities, the agreement will facilitate technology transfers to several German defense firms—FFG, JWT, and KNDS. This technology exchange aligns with an industrial teaming arrangement aimed at fostering local CAVS development, which was established in 2024 to support Germany’s evolving defense needs. The locally produced versions of these vehicles are anticipated to be operational by 2027.
Esa Rautalinko, the president and CEO of Patria, remarked on the significance of this partnership, stating, “Germany’s trust in Patria and in the CAVS programme underscores a modern approach to multinational defence cooperation, fostering interoperable fleets and ensuring unprecedented security of supply through industrial cooperation.” He added that the German CAVS programme will significantly contribute to the German Army’s objective of achieving full combat readiness by 2029, emphasizing Patria’s role in this crucial development.
The CAVS initiative was originally launched by the Finnish Ministry of Defence in 2020, aiming to provide a next-generation, unified fleet for the Finnish military and its partners. The selected platform for this program is the Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier, designed to ensure operability for up to three decades.
According to specifications, the CAVS is approximately 8 meters (26 feet) in length, boasts a payload capacity of 9 tons (18,000 pounds), and can accommodate up to 10 passengers. The vehicle is powered by a Scania diesel engine that produces 394 horsepower, allowing for a top speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour and an operational range of 700 kilometers (345 miles).
At this point, Patria is actively managing nearly 2,000 CAVS orders, having delivered over 250 vehicles to various military clients. The CAVS program has expanded to include seven member nations, with Germany being the fourth participant, following the inclusion of the UK and Norway as the latest partners.
