The arrangement follows a framework agreement signed on August 11 between Patria and KNDS Deutschland Maintenance under the multinational CAVS program. Executives reaffirmed the partnership during a working visit that also examined production preparations and potential expansion.
KNDS Deutschland Maintenance will act as a subcontractor for Patria, contributing manufacturing expertise and experience as a system integrator. Patria’s technology transfer will support the development of local capacity for the German CAVS program.
“Our cooperation with KNDS is progressing as planned and is an important building block in establishing reliable industrial capacities for the German CAVS program,” said Jussi Järvinen, Patria’s executive vice president of Protected Mobility. “The combination of Patria’s 6×6 expertise and technology transfer for the local capacity building of KNDS strengthens delivery reliability, creates value creation in Germany, and supports European production capacities in the defense sector.”
Christoph Cords, chief executive of KNDS Deutschland Maintenance, briefed participants on the company’s work packages and the status of the series production setup in Freisen. The discussions also covered opportunities to scale operations.
“We see the long-term CAVS program as a great opportunity for the Saarland,” Cords said. “The CAVS program offers the opportunity to bring value creation to Germany and especially to the Saarland, and we are happy to take on this task.”
Saarland Minister-President Anke Rehlinger discussed the project’s regional industrial implications with the executives. She said the state supports site expansion, the placement of skilled workers and a local supplier network, particularly involving automotive businesses.
“The Patria order is of great importance for Freisen – and for the entire Saarland,” Rehlinger said. “It creates industrial value, qualified jobs, and long-term perspectives for the site.”
The visit included Patria Board Chairman Jyri Häkämies and KNDS Deutschland Chief Executive Florian Hohenwarter. Hohenwarter said the subcontracting arrangement represents a new approach for KNDS to strengthening European defense production capacity.
“In the interest of strengthening European production capacities for defense goods, we are taking new paths as a system integrator and are contributing our know-how and experience to the CAVS program via our subsidiary KNDS Deutschland Maintenance as a subcontractor for Patria,” Hohenwarter said. “We are convinced: through this cooperation, we will sustainably strengthen the European CAVS program, which is also of great importance to the Bundeswehr.”
