Babcock and Patria have signed an agreement to jointly offer the Patria 6×6 Armored Personnel Carrier to the UK Armed Forces.
The vehicle is already being procured by Finland, Latvia, and Sweden under the multi-nation Common Armoured Vehicle System project.
It is also being offered to Germany as a replacement for its aging Fuchs personnel carriers.
According to the memorandum of understanding, Finnish firm Patria will lead the platform’s design and development, providing bespoke enhancements on the existing version
London-headquartered Babcock, meanwhile, will lead the build solution and also develop a support package for the vehicle to maintain its readiness level throughout lifetime.
“The partnership between Patria and Babcock presents the UK Armed Forces with the highest performing in-service armoured personnel carrier,” CEO of Babcock’s Land Sector Tom Newman said.
“Babcock’s skilled workforce, innovative facilities and promotion of social value ensures that the ethos of the UK Land Industrial Strategy is met. The partnership combines the highest quality British and Finnish engineering to make sure that the British Army is ready for its next mission.”
Patria 6×6 Armored Personnel Carrier
The vehicle’s modular design allows a variety of configurations for diverse missions, such as troop transportation and combat support.
It features STANAG level 2 ballistic and mine protection, which can be enhanced to level 4 in many variants.
A robust and independent suspension, coupled with a high performance driveline, ensures enhanced mobility and crew comfort.
The vehicle can accommodate up to 10 soldiers in the rear and a crew of two (driver and commander) in the front cabin.
Soldiers’ gear and arms, enough for a 72-hour mission, can be hosted inside the vehicle’s protected hull.
Additional features include all-wheel drive, double front axle steering, and amphibious capability for water crossing and optional amphibious landing operations.
“Europe needs collaboration and joint procurement and the UK rapidly needs a cost-effective, fully developed, off-the-shelf vehicle platform,” Senior Vice President, Market Area for Patria Hugo Vanbockryck added.
“Patria 6×6 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.”
