Babcock International Group and Patria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to offer the Patria 6×6 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to meet the operational requirements of the British Army.
According to the stipulations of the agreement, Patria will take the lead in the design and development of the system, offering customized improvements to its current 6×6 platform. Meanwhile, Babcock will oversee the construction solution, aligning with the UK MOD Land Industrial Strategy, and will also create a platform support package to ensure the vehicle’s operational readiness throughout its lifecycle.
The Patria 6×6 is primarily intended for troop transport, although it can be adapted for various other functions. The platform can be customized to accommodate different user needs through a range of optional features, such as a swimming capability, a winch, enhanced armour protection, and various weapon systems.
The available armaments include machine guns and medium-calibre direct fire weapon systems ranging from 25mm to 30mm, as well as the Patria Nemo 120mm turreted mortar system.
The vehicle’s configuration includes the driver and commander positioned at the front, with the engine compartment located behind the driver, and a rear compartment designated for troops and mission-specific equipment. A passage on the right side facilitates movement between the front and rear sections.
It is presently being manufactured as part of the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) initiative, established by Finland, Latvia, and several other European nations to develop a cutting-edge 6×6 armoured vehicle system.
Tom Newman, CEO of Babcock’s Land Sector, said: “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 ensures that the ethos of the UK Land Industrial Strategy is met. The partnership combines the highest quality British and Finnish engineering to make sure that the British Army is ready for its next mission.
Hugo Vanbockryck, Senior Vice President, Market Area for Patria, said: “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 6×6 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.”
