Patria and Babcock will present the Patria 6x6 vehicle to meet the operational requirements of the British Army. According to a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two companies, Patria will lead the design and development of the system, providing bespoke enhancements to the existing 6x6 platform of the UK armed forces. Babcock will provide a solution to build at scale, in line with the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Industrial Strategy, as well as a platform support package to maintain the operational readiness of the vehicle throughout its lifecycle.   

“Europe needs collaboration and joint procurements and the UK rapidly needs a cost-effective, fully developed, off-the-shelf vehicle platform,” said Hugo Vanbockryck, senior vice president of Europe, Patria. “The Patria 6x6 is already in production, fielded by NATO partner nations and will be manufactured and supported locally in the UK to meet the high requirements and technical standards of the British Army”. 

Patria 6x6 is a modular vehicle configured for many missions. It offers high performance, modern protection and unprecedented mobility. It is currently in production under the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme led by Finland and joined by Latvia, Sweden, and Germany.

Patria 6x6 vehicle deliveries are ongoing, and vehicles are already in operational use. Patria has received orders for over 800 Patria 6x6 vehicles, of which more than 200 have been delivered. The programme is open to other European countries and enables coordinated procurement of a joint platform.  

Patria has more than four decades of experience in developing and delivering protected troop transportation and system integration. It leads the 6x6 armoured vehicle system development as the prime contractor within the CAVS programme. The supply of vehicles is conducted by using member nations’ local industry capabilities.  

As a strategic partner to the British Army, Babcock is a tried-and-tested system integrator and platform build specialist with extensive production facilities. It is currently delivering high-volume build programmes for the UK armed forces.  

Tom Newman, chief executive of Babcock Land and UK Aviation, said the partnership between Patria and Babcock presents the UK Armed Forces with the highest-performing in-service armoured personnel carrier.

“Babcock’s skilled workforce, innovative facilities and promotion of social value will ensure that this offering lives and breathes the ethos of the UK Land Industrial Strategy,” he said.