The CAVS programme’s objective is to create an armoured 6×6 vehicle system tailored to the needs of the member countries. Credit: Patria Group.

Germany has officially entered into the research and development phase of the multinational Common Armoured Vehicles System (CAVS) programme to develop a new 6×6 armoured vehicle system.  

This move marks Germany’s commitment to modernising its military fleet and enhancing European defence cooperation. 

The CAVS programme, initiated by Finland and Latvia in 2020, was joined by Sweden in 2022, followed by Germany as the fourth participating country in April 2023.  

By joining the agreement, Germany will now gain access to the product development results and will contribute to the future evolution of the vehicle system. 

The CAVS programme’s objective is to create an armoured 6×6 vehicle system tailored to the needs of the member countries.  

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Germany plans to replace its current FUCHS fleet with the new 6×6 armoured platform supplied by Patria.  

Finland, Sweden, and Latvia have already ordered a total of 700 armoured vehicles from Patria, with Finland’s latest acquisition aimed at strengthening its international crisis management capabilities. 

Patria, the CAVS programme’s prime contractor, has pledged to engage in industrial cooperation with Germany, which includes manufacturing CAVS vehicles locally in partnership with other German entities. 

In February, Patria announced a collaboration with Flensburg (FFG) and DSL (part of the KNDS group) to propose a German-centric approach for the design, production, as well as maintenance of Patria’s 6×6 armoured personnel carriers.  

The CAVS programme, open to European nations with similar defence needs, aims to fortify European and NATO defence collaboration.  

With Germany and Sweden participating, the initiative is poised to enhance joint exercises, crisis management operations, and streamline logistics as well as security of supply among Nordic and Baltic countries. 

Patria Europe market area Head Hugo Vanbockryck said: “We are glad to welcome Germany into this agreement to share the results of the development made and benefiting from cooperation with other EU and NATO countries participating in the programme.  

“We value the strength that Germany will bring into this programme, both as a respected military power as well as adding strong industrial versatility in it.”