Ukraine Accepts First Patria Vehicles Donated by Latvia
Latvia’s Ministry of Defence has shipped the first Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers pledged to Ukraine in response to Russia’s invasion.
Riga signed a contract in February to procure vehicles for Kyiv. While the overall quantity was not disclosed at the time, the latest update confirms the package includes 42 units and is valued at approximately 70 million euros ($81.3 million).
Delivery remains on track with Latvia’s target date announced earlier this year, and the next batch is scheduled to arrive “in the near future.”
The Baltic state emphasized that the Patria fleet for Ukraine will not affect its own inventory.
Currently, Latvia is engaged in a project launched in 2021 to expand its armed forces’ Patria fleet to 200 by 2029.
Most vehicles distributed for these projects are manufactured in Latvia in partnership with the personnel carrier’s Finland-based developer Patria.
“By providing this type of support to Ukraine, we have the opportunity to develop our defense industry by testing the durability and capabilities of armored vehicles manufactured in Latvia on a real battlefield,” Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds said.
“Latvia continues and will continue to support Ukraine and its efforts to protect its country for as long as necessary.”
The Patria
The Patria six-wheeled armored vehicle is powered by a 390-horsepower Scania diesel engine with a seven-speed transmission, allowing a top speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour and a range of more than 700 kilometers (435 miles).
It measures 8 meters (26 feet) long and can weigh up to 24,000 kilograms (52,911 pounds), depending on configuration.
The vehicle features NATO-standard armor on its chassis, offering enhanced protection against kinetic projectiles, shrapnel, and external blasts.
It is operated by a three-person crew and can transport up to 10 passengers.
