Patria, an international defense and technology company, has signed a deal with the Swedish Defence Procurement Agency (FMV) for the acquisition of 20 Patria 6×6 armored vehicles, which will be named “Pansarterrängbil 300” in Sweden. The first batch will be delivered in 2023.

The Patria 6×6 was selected as the foundation for the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) collaboration program, which is a unique initiative involving several European nations, including Latvia, Sweden, Germany, and Finland. Deliveries to Latvia have been ongoing since the end of 2021, and Finland received its pre-series vehicles in the summer of 2022. Sweden joined the 6×6 research and development program in 2022, and the delivery of the first batch this year will be the initial steps in fulfilling the Swedish requirement for several hundred vehicles throughout the 2020s.

The vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine capable of generating up to 290 horsepower, allowing it to achieve a maximum speed of 100 km/h. The Patria 6×6 also has a fully automatic 7-speed gearbox and 2-speed transfer case, providing the driver with precise control and maneuverability. It has modular armor protection, which can be customized for different mission requirements, offering defense against ballistic threats, mines, and improvised explosive devices.

The Patria 6×6 has a maximum weight of 24,000 kg when fully loaded, but its empty weight is roughly 16,000 kg. Various weapon systems, such as a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, a 40mm automatic grenade launcher, and a 30mm cannon, can be fitted to the Patria 6×6. It has independent suspension on all six wheels, providing excellent off-road capabilities and ride comfort.

The Patria 6×6 is also equipped with cutting-edge electronics, including a digital intercom system, GPS, and night vision equipment. It has amphibious capabilities, and its waterjet propulsion system allows it to swim in water at a maximum speed of 10 km/h. The APC version of the Patria 6×6, which provides state-of-the-art protection for up to 12 crew members, is being delivered to the Swedish army. Although primarily designed for troop transport, the vehicle is modular and can be adapted for a variety of applications, including command and control and ambulance duties.

“The Swedish Armed Forces have used Patria’s XA 6×6 and AMV 8×8 vehicles for over 30 years in many challenging environments worldwide, and this new agreement for our newest Patria 6×6 vehicle demonstrates that the vehicles deliver on our commitments,” says Mats Warstedt, head of Market Area Nordics at Patria. “The Patria 6×6 vehicle is also a great example of Finnish-Swedish cooperation, with significant value provided by Swedish suppliers such as the engine and the steel of its armor.”