Norway and the UK have signed the research and development (R&D) agreement of the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program, marking a step toward the procurement of Patria vehicles.
The two countries joined the Latvia-led program in September, becoming its sixth and seventh members alongside Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Denmark.
Under the R&D agreement, Norway and the UK will gain access to existing product development packages and, subject to national approvals, may participate in the further development of CAVS elements.
“The CAVS Program is becoming the most significant defence program of modern armored vehicles in Europe,” Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.
“The program strengthens European defense and NATO cooperation by increasing the countries’ preparedness for cooperation at many different levels. With Finnish expertise, we will advance the defence capability of the whole of Europe. We can be proud of this for good reason.”
CAVS Program
Launched in 2020, the CAVS program aims to develop a common and interoperable armored 6×6 vehicle system for the needs of the participant nations.
According to Finland-based Patria, nearly 2,000 vehicles have been ordered under the program to date, with more than 250 already delivered to Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Denmark.
The largest CAVS contract so far was signed by Germany, which recently ordered 876 vehicles in a deal valued at more than 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion).
Derived from Patria’s flagship 8×8 multi-role armored personnel carrier, the CAVS vehicle is designed for a projected service life of up to 30 years.
Built to NATO standards, it is powered by a 394-horsepower Scania diesel engine, providing a maximum speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour and a range of up to 700 kilometers (435 miles).
Depending on configuration, the vehicle has a maximum gross weight of 24 tonnes (24,000 kilograms/52,911 pounds) and measures approximately 8 meters (26 feet) in length.
It is crewed by a commander and driver, with an optional gunner, and can carry up to 10 passengers.
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