Patria and Babcock agree partnership on 6x6 vehicle for the UK armed forces
Patria and Babcock International Group (Babcock) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to present the Patria 6x6 vehicle platform to the UK armed forces to meet the operational requirements of the British Army.
According to the agreement, Patria will lead the design and development of the system, providing bespoke enhancements to the existing 6x6 platform of the UK armed forces. Babcock will provide a solution to build at scale, in line with the UK MOD Land Industrial Strategy, as well as a platform support package that will maintain operational readiness of the vehicle throughout its lifecycle.
Patria 6x6 is a modular, robust, and affordable vehicle platform suited for a wide variety of specific configurations for diverse missions that offers high performance, modern protection and unprecedented mobility. It is currently in production under the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme led by Finland and joined by Latvia, Sweden and Germany. Patria 6x6 vehicle deliveries are ongoing, and vehicles are already in operational use. Patria has received orders for over 800 Patria 6x6 vehicles of which already over 200 have been delivered. The programme is open to other European countries and enables coordinated procurement of a joint platform that can face tomorrow’s threats.
Patria, that has more than four decades of experience in developing and delivering state-of-the-art protected troop transportation and system integration, leads the 6x6 armoured vehicle system development as the prime contractor within the CAVS programme. The vast majority of supply of the vehicles is conducted by utilizing the member nations’ local industry capabilities and every new nation is inherently reinforcing the security of supply for the whole collaboration system.
As a strategic partner to the British Army, Babcock is a tried and tested system integrator and platform build specialist with extensive production facilities. The highly skilled workforce is currently delivering high volume build programmes for the UK armed forces, at pace.
“We are pleased to start a unique partnership that will provide significant added value for the United Kingdom. Europe needs collaboration and joint procurements and the UK rapidly needs a cost-effective, fully developed, off-the-shelf vehicle platform. Patria 6x6 is already in production, fielded by NATO partner nations and will be manufactured and supported locally in the UK to meet the high requirements and technical standards of the British Army,” says Hugo Vanbockryck, Senior Vice President, Market Area Europe of Patria.
Tom Newman, Chief Executive of Babcock Land and UK Aviation says, “The partnership between Patria and Babcock presents the UK Armed Forces with the highest performing in-service armoured personnel carrier. Babcock’s skilled workforce, innovative facilities and promotion of social value will ensure that this offering lives and breathes the ethos of the UK Land Industrial Strategy. The partnership combines the highest quality British and Finnish engineering expertise, ensuring that the British Army is ready for its next mission.”
More information on Patria 6x6
Media enquiries and further information:
Hugo Vanbockryck, Senior Vice President, Market Area Europe, Patria, tel. +32 471 989101, [email protected]
Sirje Ahvenlampi-Hyvönen, Vice President, Group Communications, Patria, tel. +358 50 557 3822, [email protected]
Patria is a modern and international defence and technology company with over 100 years of experience. Through our top-notch experts and Through life capability, Protected mobility & defence systems and Battlefield & critical systems products and services, we ensure reliable operations for our customers and serve as a partner in critical functions on land, sea and air - when if is not an option. Patria has offices in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan.
Patria is owned by the State of Finland (50.1%) and Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (49.9%). Patria owns 50% of Nammo, and together these three companies form a leading Nordic defence partnership.
www.patriagroup.com
