Lithuania’s State Defence Council has approved plans to acquire 936 Patria 6×6 armored vehicles to equip the newly formed division of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The procurement contract is expected to be finalized in 2027, with deliveries continuing through 2036. According to State Defence Council President Gitanas Nausėda, approximately 300 vehicles are scheduled to enter service by 2030.
Nausėda noted that part of the production will be carried out domestically, supporting Lithuania’s defense industrial base. The move aligns with Patria’s earlier offer to transfer manufacturing expertise under the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program, which is centered on the Patria 6×6 platform.
The CAVS initiative currently includes Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and the United Kingdom, promoting joint procurement and interoperability among participating nations.
The new vehicles will replace Lithuania’s aging M113 armored personnel carriers, which are currently used for troop transport, command-and-control missions, medical evacuation, fire support, engineering operations, communications, reconnaissance, and CBRN defense tasks. Selection criteria reportedly focused on NATO compatibility, affordability, production schedules, and opportunities for industrial cooperation.
Lithuania established its National Division in 2025 as part of a broader military expansion effort. The formation is expected to consist of around 20,000 personnel and achieve full operational capability by 2030.
The Patria 6×6 is designed for high mobility, survivability, and operational flexibility. Weighing up to 20 tons depending on configuration, the vehicle can transport up to 10 soldiers in addition to its crew. Powered by a 394-horsepower Scania diesel engine, it can reach speeds of 100 km/h and travel up to 700 kilometers. Its modular design supports multiple mission roles, including command and control, armored transport, medical evacuation, and integration with the Patria NEMO mortar system.
