Denmark has officially entered the final phase of its participation in the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program. As part of this step, three key program documents were signed simultaneously: the Research and Development (R&D) Agreement, the Framework Agreement, and the Life Cycle Management (LCM) Agreement. These signatures follow Denmark’s earlier accession to the program through a technical arrangement in April 2025.
With this development, Denmark confirmed its procurement of 129 Patria 6×6 armored vehicles (also known as the XA-300) from Finnish manufacturer Patria. Valued at approximately 1.9 billion Danish kroner (€247 million), the purchase is being financed through the Danish government’s Accelerationsfonden fund. A limited number of vehicles are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025 to support personnel training, while the main deliveries will begin in 2026, contributing to the restructuring and modernization of the Danish Armed Forces.
Patria 6×6: Versatile, Modular, and High-Performance
These vehicles will be allocated to both light infantry battalions and heavy brigades. They will support various roles including troop transport, command post operations, communications, electronic warfare, and medical evacuation. The Patria 6×6 accommodates a crew of two or three, plus ten fully equipped soldiers. Powered by a DC09 Scania five-cylinder diesel engine, it delivers 294 kW of power and 1,870 Nm of torque. It has a payload capacity of 8.5 tons, an operational range of 700 km, a top speed over 100 km/h, and can move at 8 km/h in amphibious mode. The standard armor provides protection at STANAG 4569 Level K2/M2a/b, with optional upgrades to Level K4/M4a/b.
The vehicle layout places the driver and commander in the front, the engine behind the driver, and the troop compartment at the rear, with an internal passage on the right side. Suspension options include independent coil springs or hydropneumatic systems. The chassis incorporates structural components derived from Patria’s AMVXP platform.
CAVS Program: A Model for European Defense Cooperation
Launched in 2019 by Finland and Latvia, the CAVS program aims to develop a standardized 6×6 armored vehicle system. Sweden joined in 2022, followed by Germany in 2023, and as of 2025, Denmark is now an official participant. The program remains open to other European countries with similar defense needs.
So far, Patria has received over 850 vehicle orders, with more than 200 delivered. Latvia has ordered over 250 vehicles, Finland 161, and Sweden 341 under the name “Pansarterrängbil 300.” Ukraine placed an order for 42 vehicles in early 2025. Germany initially requested a binding offer for 300 units and has long-term plans to procure up to 1,000.
Thanks to its modular design, the Patria 6×6 can be adapted for command and control, logistics, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and fire support missions. It can be equipped with a wide range of weapons, from machine guns to 25 mm and 30 mm cannons, and even the Patria NEMO 120 mm mortar system.
Joint Mortar Variant Development Agreement with Germany
In 2025, Germany and Patria signed a €50 million agreement to develop two self-propelled mortar prototypes using the NEMO system, along with one command vehicle prototype. These systems will be integrated with Germany’s ADLER command and fire control network. Serial production is expected to begin in 2026–2027, with first deliveries planned by the end of 2029.
Local Industrial Participation: Strengthening the European Supply Chain
Local industry cooperation is a key pillar of the CAVS program. In Latvia, the Patria 6×6 is produced at a facility in Valmiera, capable of manufacturing up to 160 vehicles annually. In Germany, companies such as DSL (under KNDS Deutschland), FFG, and JWT contribute to localized production. Denmark is expected to follow a similar domestic production model.
The European Commission has allocated €60 million in funding to the CAVS program under EDIRPA (European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Joint Procurement). This funding supports the development, acquisition, and life cycle management of the 6×6 platform. The project aligns with EU objectives to reduce foreign dependency and enhance strategic autonomy in the defense sector.
Aligned with Denmark’s Defense Investment Strategy
Denmark has allocated approximately 50 billion kroner (€6.5 billion) for defense spending during the 2025–2026 period. An additional 10 billion kroner (€1.3 billion) per year is earmarked for 2027–2033 to cover personnel, infrastructure, and procurement costs. The acquisition of the Patria 6×6 vehicles directly supports the modernization goals of the Danish Army.
These vehicles will be showcased at DALO Industry Days, Denmark’s largest defense industry event, to be held in Ballerup on August 20–21, 2025. The event, organized by the Danish Ministry of Defense Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), will highlight Denmark’s growing integration into the CAVS framework and its broader commitment to European defense cooperation.
