The Latvian Ministry of Defence has initiated testing of the Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier on public roads as part of its preparations for the vehicle’s delivery to the country’s armed forces. This testing phase aligns with Latvia’s plan to procure up to 200 of these armored systems by 2029, a commitment formalized in a contract with Finnish manufacturer Patria in 2021.
During the road tests, vehicles have been issued temporary licenses to facilitate comprehensive quality control testing beyond the confines of military proving grounds. The country has emphasized that the benchmarks for these demonstrations are informed by special regulatory frameworks established to ensure that the manufacturing processes meet required standards prior to deployment to its military forces.
Latvia’s Defence Minister, Andris Sprūds, articulated the advantages of conducting test drives on public roads, stating that these trials enhance the efficiency of certifying and transitioning the Patria armored vehicles to the National Armed Forces. Historically, vehicle testing was confined to the Ādaži military training ground, which has limited capacity. However, recent amendments to regulatory provisions proposed by the Ministry of Defence will allow for expedited deliveries to the armed forces, consequently bolstering the nation’s defense capabilities and enhancing the security for all citizens.
The public road tests will incorporate a significant number of kilometers previously restricted under the Latvian Road Traffic Law, with the armored vehicles being monitored while operating at speeds of up to 90 kilometers (56 miles) per hour. Meanwhile, vehicles pending approval and not yet compliant with regulatory standards will continue to undergo testing at the Ādaži military training ground to maintain production and delivery timelines.
The assembly of both the testing vehicles and the inaugural batch of Patria 6×6 units scheduled for delivery in 2024 will be facilitated by a local manufacturing facility based in Valmiera. Uģis Romanovs, Chairman of the Patria Defence Partnership for Latvia Board, stated that the test drives will be conducted by specially trained company personnel along designated routes. Prior to each drive, critical vehicle functions are assessed at the factory utilizing the necessary testing infrastructure and equipment. He also confirmed that, akin to any vehicle on the road, the Patria 6×6 units will possess mandatory civil insurance during these trials.
The Patria 6×6 system itself boasts a weight of up to 24,000 kilograms (52,911 pounds), depending on specific customer requirements, and measures approximately 8 meters (26 feet) in length. It has a capacity to transport up to 10 passengers while providing protection against fragments, kinetic projectiles, and external blasts. Under the hood, the vehicle is equipped with a robust 390-horsepower Scania diesel engine, allowing it to reach top speeds of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour and to cover a distance of 700 kilometers (435 miles) on a single fuel tank.
