Lithuania Approves Purchase of 935 Finnish Patria Armored Vehicles for Defense
Lithuania’s State Defence Council approved the purchase of 935–936 Finnish Patria 6x6 armored vehicles, with 30–300 expected by 2030 and local manufacturing planned. The deal, part of the Common Armoured Vehicle System program, aims to replace aging M113s and bolster defense amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. Lithuania also integrates new radars, drone interceptors, and domestic drone monitoring software, leveraging EU loans and a 5% GDP defense budget.
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Lithuania approves Patria 6x6 procurement as Norway joins CAVS programme
Lithuania has approved the procurement of Patria 6x6 armored vehicles, a key step in modernizing its military capabilities. Concurrently, Norway has officially joined the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme, a multinational defense collaboration aimed at developing and producing standardized armored vehicles. The CAVS programme, led by Finland and Patria, seeks to enhance interoperability and reduce costs among participating nations. Lithuania's procurement and Norway's accession strengthen the program's industrial base and operational scope, reflecting growing European defense cooperation in response to regional security challenges. The Patria 6x6 is a versatile wheeled armored vehicle designed for troop transport, reconnaissance, and support roles, and is already in service with Finland and other partners.
"site:janes.com" - Google NewsLithuania to buy Patria armored vehicles, eyes local industry share
Lithuania's State Defense Council has authorized the Ministry of National Defence to purchase Patria six-wheel-drive armored personnel carriers from Finnish producer Patria. A contract is expected to be signed in 2027, with Lithuania's defense industry set to capture a share of the procurement. Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas stated the platform is multifunctional, capable of mounting air-defense systems and serving medical and logistics roles. President Gitanas Nausėda confirmed the military will acquire 936 vehicles to replace aging M113s. The purchase aligns with the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program, which includes Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and the UK. Lithuania is also leveraging €6.4 billion in EU SAFE loans for defense modernization, aiming to integrate local firms into international supply chains. Key selection criteria included NATO interoperability, production timelines, price, and industrial cooperation opportunities.
Defense NewsLithuania to buy Patria armored vehicles, eyes local industry share
Lithuania's State Defense Council has authorized the Ministry of National Defence to purchase Patria six-wheel-drive armored personnel carriers for the Lithuanian Army, with a contract expected to be signed with the Finnish producer in 2027. The procurement, totaling 936 vehicles, aims to replace Lithuania's aging fleet of M113 armored personnel carriers. Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas highlighted the platform's multifunctionality, including air-defense, medical, and logistics capabilities. The deal is tied to Lithuania's potential participation in the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program, which includes Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and the UK. Lithuania is also leveraging EU Security Action for Europe (SAFE) loans worth €6.4 billion ($7.5 billion) for defense modernization. Key selection criteria include NATO interoperability, production timelines, price, and industrial cooperation opportunities for Lithuanian companies, ensuring a portion of the funds stays in the local economy.
Defense NewsLithuania to buy Patria armored vehicles, eyes local industry share
Lithuania's State Defense Council has authorized the Ministry of National Defence to purchase Patria six-wheel-drive armored personnel carriers for the Lithuanian Army, with a contract expected to be signed with the Finnish producer in 2027. President Gitanas Nausėda stated the military will acquire 936 vehicles, which will replace the aging M113 fleet. The Patria 6x6 platform is multifunctional, capable of mounting air-defense systems and serving medical and logistics roles. Lithuania aims to integrate its defense industry into the procurement, ensuring a portion of the funds stays in the local economy. The purchase is part of a broader €6.4 billion EU SAFE loan program for new weapons and equipment. By joining the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program, Lithuania will align with allies including Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and the UK. Ukraine also uses Patria 6x6 vehicles.
Defense NewsLithuania to buy 936 Patria armored vehicles from Finland
Lithuania's State Defence Council approved the purchase of 936 Patria 6x6 armored vehicles from Finland, with President Gitanas Nausėda confirming that 300 vehicles are expected by 2030 and that part of the production will occur in Lithuania. The acquisition makes Lithuania the newest member of the Common Armoured Vehicle System program, which already includes Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and the UK. The order reflects Lithuania's security reassessment since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as the country has committed to spending 5% of GDP on defense, the highest in NATO. The Patria 6x6 is a wheeled armored personnel carrier designed for northern European conditions, with demonstrated capability in Ukraine. President Nausėda emphasized industrial integration as a condition, and Patria's Jussi Järvinen noted over a year of cooperation with Lithuanian industry, stating Lithuania has the necessary capabilities for technology transfer.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsLithuania Purchases 935 Finnish Patria Armoured Vehicles to Counter Growing Threats
Lithuania's State Defence Council has decided to purchase 935 Finnish Patria armoured vehicles, with the first 30 to be acquired by 2030. The vehicles will also be manufactured on Lithuanian territory. The decision was announced by President Gitanas Nausėda, who cited the need to counter growing threats. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė emphasized the proximity of war and the use of rapidly evolving technologies. Remigijus Bridikis, Director of the State Security Department, highlighted the increasingly complex security situation in the Baltic Sea region. Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas announced the upcoming integration of new short-range radars and the ordering of drone interceptor systems. Additionally, domestic software for integrating drone monitoring into a single system is being tested.
Defence24.comLithuania Approves Purchase of 935 Finnish Patria Armored Vehicles to Counter Growing Threats
Lithuania's State Defence Council has decided to purchase 935 Finnish Patria armored vehicles, with the first 30 to be acquired by 2030. The vehicles will also be manufactured on Lithuanian territory. President Gitanas Nausėda announced the decision, while Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė cited the proximity of war and rapidly evolving technologies as key reasons. Remigijus Bridikis, Director of the Lithuanian State Security Department, highlighted the increasingly complex security situation in the Baltic Sea region. Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas announced the upcoming integration of new short-range radars and the ordering of drone interceptor systems. Domestic software for integrating drone monitoring into a single system is also being tested.
Defence24.comLithuania Approves Purchase of 935 Finnish Patria Armored Vehicles Amid Rising Threats
Lithuania's State Defence Council has decided to purchase 935 Finnish Patria armored vehicles, with 30 to be acquired by 2030. The vehicles will also be manufactured on Lithuanian territory. President Gitanas Nausėda announced the decision, while Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė cited the proximity of war and rapidly evolving technologies as key drivers. Remigijus Bridikis, Director of the Lithuanian State Security Department, highlighted the increasingly complex security situation in the Baltic Sea region. Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas announced the integration of new short-range radars and the ordering of drone interceptor systems. Domestic software for integrating drone monitoring into a single system is also being tested. The purchases are part of Lithuania's broader effort to bolster defense and invest in security amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Defence24.com