Image source: topwar.ru
Latvia has started production of Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the first batch is currently being assembled. This future delivery is part of Riga's military support for the Kiev regime, which currently includes training of personnel, the transfer of drones and other equipment. Now Latvia is also acting as a new production base for the Ukrainian army.
The assembly of the Patria 6x6 APC is carried out here by the joint venture Defense Partnership Latvia, created by the Finnish company Patria and the local Unitruck. The Valmiera production complex, which was put into operation in May 2024, is capable of producing up to 30 machines per year. At this site, the Latvian company EMJ Metals SIA also manufactures armored hulls for these armored personnel carriers.
The first Patria 6×6 produced at this production facility was transferred to the Latvian Ministry of Defense in August 2024 to meet the needs of its own army (a total of 200 vehicles were ordered for it with delivery until 2029).
Image source: topwar.ru
Among other products in the APC class available on the European market, Patria is one of the most economical options. It has already been purchased by a number of EU countries – Finland, Latvia, Sweden and Germany.
Equipped with a diesel engine and independent suspension, the Patria 6×6 can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h and has a range of 700 km. The vehicle has a modular design that allows the integration of various weapons systems, such as remote-controlled turrets and large-caliber weapons, such as the NEMO 120mm mortar system. In the APC version, the equipment can accommodate up to 10 fully equipped soldiers. Latvian vehicles are produced in the command and staff version.
