The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence said the new capability is crucial for meeting the operational requirements of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The vehicles are intended to replace the M113 armoured personnel carriers currently used by the Lithuanian Army.
“This is a multirole platform compatible with air defence systems and capabilities, as well as paramedical and logistical objectives. This purchase is crucial for ensuring functionality of the National Division,” said Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.
The Patria 6×6 vehicles are expected to be used for manoeuvre and command post tasks. They will also support medical, fire support, engineer support, communications, reconnaissance and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear safety roles.
Kaunas said the Patria 6×6 vehicles would complement heavier infantry fighting vehicles in Lithuanian service. These include the wheeled Vilkas, Lithuania’s version of the GTK Boxer, and the tracked BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90.
The purchase is intended to significantly increase the land forces’ ability to transport soldiers safely. It is also expected to improve support for troops and other vehicles.
Kaunas said the planned acquisition could include variants for medical evacuation, air defence and engineering tasks. According to the Lithuanian president, part of the vehicle production could take place at Lithuanian facilities.
The programme is expected to cost €1.5 billion by 2036. The project is included in Lithuania’s current financial plans, although the amount is substantial for the country’s defence budget.
The Ministry said the platform selection was based on several key criteria. These included NATO-standard compliance, interoperability with allies, production deadlines, price and the possibility of industrial cooperation.
Industrial cooperation is expected to help keep part of the programme’s value within the Lithuanian economy. The Finnish offer was reportedly selected after an assessment of several competing solutions, although the other platforms considered have not been disclosed.
A contract with the selected manufacturer is expected to be signed in 2027. Funding for the wheeled armoured vehicle acquisition has been planned through 2036.
It remains unclear whether Lithuania will buy the vehicles independently or join the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System programme. The CAVS programme currently includes Finland as the lead nation, as well as Sweden, Latvia, Germany, Denmark, Norway and the United Kingdom.
Estonia was among the founding participants in the initiative but later left the programme in favour of acquiring Otokar ARMA 6×6 vehicles. Latvia has also funded the delivery of several dozen CAVS vehicles from its own production line to Ukraine as military assistance.
Lithuania could potentially become the eighth participant in the CAVS programme, although this is not yet certain. If it signs at least a framework agreement for all 936 vehicles, Lithuania would become the largest customer in the history of the Patria 6×6 and CAVS 6×6 programme.
