Germany joins Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) framework agreement for Patria 6×6 serial procurement

The CAVS programme, led by Finnish defence company Patria, focuses on the development and deployment of the Patria 6×6 armoured vehicle. With Germany’s accession, it becomes the fourth nation to join the Framework Agreement after Finland, Latvia, and Sweden.

Germany’s path within the CAVS initiative has been systematic, moving from initial intent in 2022 to joining the Technical Arrangement in 2023. In 2024, it signed the research and development agreement, ultimately leading to its full participation in the Framework Agreement.

Patria has welcomed Germany’s commitment, highlighting the country’s steady progress as an example of modern multinational cooperation. Hugo Vanbockryck, Senior Vice President for Market Area Europe at Patria, emphasised the importance of interoperability and security of supply among allied nations.

Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen, also expressed satisfaction with Germany’s involvement, highlighting Finland’s efforts in marketing the co-procurement programme to allies and partners. He stated that the CAVS project enhances European defence cooperation and aligns with the EU’s defence strategy.

Germany’s Ministry of Defence plans to replace its ageing Fuchs armoured vehicle fleet with the Patria 6×6. Patria is committed to industrial cooperation with German defence companies and will manufacture CAVS vehicles locally in partnership with German firms. However, the actual serial procurement of the vehicles requires approval from the German parliament.

Collaboration within CAVS involves strong partnerships with German defence companies, including KNDS, FFG, and JWT. The agreement enables the rapid establishment of local production capabilities, enhancing Germany’s defence industry while ensuring an efficient procurement process.

The European Commission has recognised the CAVS project’s importance by granting it EUR 60 million in funding through the EDIRPA instrument. This funding will support multinational cooperation among CAVS member countries, strengthening European defence and NATO collaboration.

The CAVS programme allows member states to procure modern armoured vehicles quickly and cost-effectively. By leveraging local industry capabilities within each member nation, the programme strengthens security of supply, logistics, and industrial cooperation. Participating countries benefit from common procurement, product development, and life-cycle management.

The initiative, which began as a joint effort between the Defence Ministries of Finland and Latvia in 2020, has already seen the delivery of vehicles to Finland, Sweden, and Latvia. The three nations have ordered approximately 700 vehicles, with the most recent order for C2 vehicles coming from Latvia in 2024.