The Latvian National Armed Forces are set to receive the first domestically manufactured Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier (APC) in early August. The handover ceremony is scheduled for August 5 at the military base in Ādaži. Prior to receiving the vehicle, the military and representatives from the manufacturer will conduct running tests at the Adazhi military training ground. The new APCs are being produced at a new armored vehicle plant in Valmiera, Latvia, which was opened in May. The production facility is focused on supplying the Latvian defense forces with around 30 wheeled armored vehicles annually. The plant’s establishment aims to ensure shortened supply chains and minimize disruptions in the manufacturing and supply process, enhancing national security.

The Latvian company Defense Partnership Latvia, a joint venture between Finnish defense concern Patria and the Latvian company Unitruck, owns and operates the new production facility. Patria holds a controlling stake in the company. Additionally, the local company EMJ Metāls SIA has been certified to independently produce hulls for the Patria 6×6 APCs. This move allows for increased local production capabilities and reduces reliance on specialists from Finland. The development and production of the Patria 6×6 APCs in Latvia are part of a joint program between Latvia and Finland. The Latvian Ministry of Defense placed an order for over 200 armored personnel carriers, with the first four units delivered in October 2021. These deliveries are expected to continue between 2021 and 2029.

ملخص الأخبار

• وزارة الدفاع اللاتفية أكدت أن مراسم تسليم المركبة ستجري في قاعدة عسكرية بتاريخ 5 أغسطس.
• المصنع الجديد في لاتفيا يخطط لإنتاج حوالي 30 مركبة مصفحة سنوياً.
• تم منح شركة EMJ Metāls SIA في لاتفيا الإذن بإنتاج هياكل لـPatria 6×6 المستقلة.