Latvia's defence boost: Patria 6x6 carriers bound for Ukraine
The Ukrainian armed forces are set to receive Patria 6x6 armoured personnel carriers, which will be manufactured in Latvia. This information was confirmed by the country's defence minister, Andris Spruds. He emphasised that usability and durability tests of the vehicles will be conducted under conditions as close to combat as possible, which is expected to provide valuable insights for the Latvian army as well.
In a statement issued on 10th February by the Latvian Ministry of Defence, details regarding the number of armoured personnel carriers being prepared for Ukraine were not disclosed. However, the LETA agency specifies that the signed agreement includes the delivery of 42 Patria 6x6 vehicles to Ukraine, with deliveries to take place in 2025.
Patria 6x6 from Latvia for Ukraine
The Patria 6x6 is a flagship product of the Finnish defence company Patria. In the spring of last year, a new facility manufacturing these carriers began operations in Valmiera, in the northeast of Latvia. The Latvian Ministry of Defence had already placed an order for over 200 of these vehicles in 2021, with plans to deliver them to the Latvian army by 2029.
The Ministry of Defence in Riga stated that most of the armoured personnel carriers intended for Ukraine will come from new production. It also assured that fulfilling these deliveries will not disrupt orders for the Latvian armed forces. The Patria 6x6 vehicles can accommodate a crew of 2-3 and up to 10 dismounted soldiers. They have engines with nearly 400 horsepower and can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, providing ballistic and anti-mine protection in accordance with the STANAG 4569 standard (at level II or IV).
Helping Ukraine in every possible way
The Latvian authorities simultaneously emphasise the need to continue military support for Ukraine. In 2024, the value of Latvian military support for that country reached over 0.25% of GDP, which translates to €100 million (around £83 million). A similar level of assistance is expected for 2025 and 2026, placing Latvia among the leading countries supporting Ukraine in terms of percentage of GDP.
Last year, Ukraine acquired approximately 5,000 unmanned aerial vehicles, including both combat and reconnaissance drones. These drones were delivered as part of an international initiative called the "drone coalition," which was launched by Latvia with support from the United Kingdom, and to which a dozen or so countries have joined. The latest series of planned deliveries, comprising over 1,000 units, reached Ukraine in January.
