Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme: Enhancing defence resilience and cooperation through joint development of Patria 6x6 vehicles
Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme began in 2019 as a multinational cooperation initiative. The programme was initially established by Finland and Latvia, with the objective of introducing a jointly developed state-of-the-art new armoured vehicle system. The selection was made of the Patria 6x6 vehicle as the platform for the programme.
CAVS programme-related mortar variant
The CAVS programme has since expanded to include several other countries. As of now, the participating countries are Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. The programme remains open for new countries to join, provided they have similar equipment requirements and receive approval from the existing participants.
The primary purpose of the CAVS programme is to develop a 6x6 armoured vehicle system that meets the common requirements of the member countries. This collaborative effort aims to enhance mutual defence resilience, bring cost benefits through joint procurement, and strengthen European defence and NATO cooperation. The programme also focuses on utilizing local industry capabilities of the member nations, thereby reinforcing the security of supply for the entire collaboration system.
Joining the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program offers several benefits for new countries
Firstly, the programme enhances mutual defence resilience and brings cost benefits through joint procurement. By collaborating on the development and acquisition of the Patria 6x6 vehicle, participating countries can achieve economies of scale, reducing the overall cost of procurement and maintenance.
Secondly, the programme strengthens European defence and NATO cooperation. The CAVS programme promotes interoperability between the armed forces of different countries, simplifying joint operations and logistical exchanges.
Additionally, the programme leverages local industry capabilities of the member nations, reinforcing the security of supply
CAVS Sweden
for the entire collaboration system. This means that the majority of the vehicle supply is conducted using the member nations' local industry capabilities, ensuring a reliable and secure supply chain.
Moreover, the programme's modular design allows the vehicle to be adapted for various missions, such as troop transport, medical evacuations, logistical support, reconnaissance, and combat operations. This flexibility ensures that the vehicle can meet the varied operational needs of the participating states.
Lastly, the CAVS programme has received significant funding from the European Defense Industry Reinforcement Instrument through Joint Procurement (EDIRPA), which further promotes the program and supports multinational cooperation between the CAVS vehicle user countries.
The Patria 6x6 vehicle, which is the platform for the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme, has been used in various missions and roles.
Germany joining the CAVS programme
Germany started its journey within the CAVS programme in 2022 by signing the statement of intent and followed up by joining the Technical Arrangement in 2023. In 2024, Germany joined the programme’s research and development agreement, after which joining the Framework Agreement was the final step towards full accession.
Ongoing deliveries and operational deployment in Latvia, Finland, and Sweden
The deliveries of Patria 6x6 vehicles within the CAVS programme are ongoing to Latvia, Finland, and Sweden and where they are already in operational use. These vehicles are used for troop transportation, command and control, medical evacuation, and other combat support roles.
Collaborative advancements: The joint development journey of the CAVS programme
The Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme, based on the Patria 6x6 vehicle, has made significant strides since its inception. In 2024, the programme received a substantial boost with EUR 60 million in funding from the European Defense Industry Reinforcement Instrument through Joint Procurement (EDIRPA). This funding aimed to enhance European defence cooperation and procurement.
Patria advanced the CAVS programme by utilizing three pre-series vehicles from the Finnish Defence Forces for further development and testing. Sweden joined the research and development phase of the programme, which was initiated by Finland and Latvia. Additionally, Finland signed an agreement to acquire Patria 6x6 pre-series vehicles for testing before the final serial order.
In 2023, Germany officially joined the CAVS programme by signing the Technical Arrangement, and Sweden proceeded by joining the Framework Agreement as the next stage of preparation for the serial procurement phase
