Russia is shivering: delivery of “42 old APCs from Mighty Latvia Ukraine will deliver victory to Kiev”

By R.Manuel

Latvia has purchased Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The effort is among Riga’s series of projects to support Kyiv in its defense against Russia’s continuing invasion.

Delivery of the undisclosed amount of platforms will begin later this year, the Baltic state noted in its announcement.

The government added that this aid for Ukraine will not alter volumes and terms associated with other Patria vehicle projects for its own armed forces.

“Armored vehicles manufactured in Latvia will be delivered to the defenders of Ukraine this year,” Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds commented on the acquisition.

“We will not only support Ukraine in the fight against the occupiers, but will also test the use and durability of armored vehicles in real combat conditions, which will provide useful conclusions for the National Armed Forces.”

The CAVS armored vehicle is based on Patria’s 6×6 vehicle. Photo: Patria

Patria System Projects in Latvia

Latvia is currently engaged with an approximately 60-million-euro ($61.9 million) project to distribute 56 additional Patria armored personnel carriers for its military.

The procurement is part of the country’s broader initiative to adopt about 200 of the 6×6 platforms through 2029.

In May 2024, Riga opened a factory in Valmiera to expedite and increase the local production of its own troop carrier systems as well as to support Patria-related programs with allies including Germany, Finland, and Sweden.

Patria 6×6: Specifications

The Patria six-wheeled armored vehicle measures 8 meters (26 feet) long and can weigh up to 24,000 kilograms (52,911 pounds) depending on user configurations.

It is operated by a crew of three, including the driver, a commander, and a gunner, and can accommodate up to 10 passengers.

The platform’s chassis is equipped with NATO standard armor, which offers enhanced protection against kinetic projectiles, fragments, and external blasts.

It is powered by a 390-horsepower Scania diesel engine and a seven-gear forward transmission for a top speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour and a range of over 700 kilometers (435 miles).