Lithuania has approved the acquisition of 936 Patria 6×6 armored vehicles to support a newly established division of the Lithuanian Army.
Lithuania has approved the acquisition of 936 Patria 6×6 wheeled armored vehicles to support a newly established division of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
The contract is expected to be signed in 2027, with deliveries scheduled through 2036. A total of 300 vehicles are planned for delivery by 2030, according to Lithuanian news outlets citing State Defence Council President Gitanas Nausėda.
Nausėda added that the procurement requires part of the production to take place in Lithuania.
“We could integrate into the production chain of these armoured vehicles,” Lithuanian National Radio and Television quoted him as saying.
Patria has already offered technology transfer to Vilius as part of the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program, which is built around the Patria 6×6 armored vehicle platform.
The CAVS is a multinational initiative involving Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and the UK.
Replacement for M113
The Patria vehicles will replace the operational M113 armored personnel carrier fleet currently used for in-maneuver transport, command post roles, medical evacuation, fire support, engineer support, communications, reconnaissance, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protection tasks.
Selection criteria included NATO interoperability, production timelines, cost, and opportunities for industrial cooperation.
“This is a multirole platform compatible with air defence systems and capabilities, as well as paramedical and logistical objectives,” Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas said.
“This purchase is crucial for ensuring functionality of the National Division.”
Lithuania established the National Division last year as part of efforts to expand and strengthen its armed forces. The division is expected to field around 20,000 troops and is planned to reach full operational capability by 2030.
Patria 6×6
The Patria 6×6 is designed with a strong emphasis on survivability, mobility, versatility, and cost efficiency.
Depending on configuration, it has a maximum weight of 20 tons and a length of up to 7.5 meters (24.6 feet). It is crewed by a commander and driver, with an optional gunner, and can carry up to 10 soldiers.
Built to NATO standards, it is powered by a 394-horsepower Scania diesel engine, enabling a top speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour and a range of up to 700 kilometers (435 miles).
Its modular architecture supports a wide range of mission roles, including command and control, medical evacuation, armored personnel transport, and integration of the Patria NEMO turreted mortar system.
