In a significant move to bolster the Ukrainian Armed Forces amid ongoing hostilities, the Latvian Ministry of Defence has procured Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers. This acquisition forms part of Riga’s broader commitment to support Ukraine as it defends itself against the continuous invasion by Russian forces.
While the exact number of platforms being delivered has not been disclosed, the Latvian government has indicated that shipments of these vehicles will commence later this year. In its communication about the procurement, officials reassured that this aid initiative would not affect the volumes and terms associated with Latvia’s own ongoing projects involving Patria vehicles.
Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds highlighted the dual purpose of this acquisition, stating, “Armored vehicles manufactured in Latvia will be delivered to the defenders of Ukraine this year.” He emphasized that this support not only assists Ukraine’s struggle against Russian occupation but also serves as an opportunity to evaluate the performance and resilience of these armored vehicles in genuine combat situations, offering valuable insights for Latvia’s National Armed Forces.
The acquisition of Patria 6×6 vehicles aligns with Latvia’s investment in enhancing its military capabilities. Currently, the country is engaged in a project worth approximately 60 million euros ($61.9 million) to distribute an additional 56 Patria armored personnel carriers to its forces. This is part of a larger plan to integrate around 200 of these versatile platforms by 2029.
In support of this initiative, Latvia recently inaugurated a new production facility in Valmiera aimed at accelerating and expanding local manufacturing of these troop carrier systems. The facility also aims to strengthen collaborative programs with allied nations, including Germany, Finland, and Sweden.
The Patria 6×6 armored vehicle itself boasts impressive specifications. Measuring an overall length of 8 meters (26 feet) and weighing up to 24,000 kilograms (52,911 pounds), the vehicle is designed to accommodate a crew of three—comprising a driver, a commander, and a gunner—alongside space for up to 10 passengers. The chassis is armored to NATO standards, providing enhanced protection against kinetic threats, fragmentation, and explosive attacks. Propelled by a robust 390-horsepower Scania diesel engine, the Patria 6×6 can achieve a maximum speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour and has an operational range exceeding 700 kilometers (435 miles).
This initiative underscores Latvia’s proactive approach to regional security and its commitment to contribute effectively to the defense of Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
