Babcock has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Finland’s Patria to propose the latter’s 6×6 armoured personnel carrier (APC) for the UK armed forces.
This partnership aims to fulfil the British Army’s specific operational needs, the companies said.
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Under the agreement, Patria will be responsible for the design and development of the system, incorporating ‘bespoke’ improvements to its current 6×6 model.
Concurrently, Babcock is tasked with overseeing the construction process, aligning with the UK Ministry of Defence Land Industrial Strategy. Additionally, it will develop a support package for the platform to ensure the vehicle remains operational over its service duration.
Patria market area senior vice-president Hugo Vanbockryck said: “We are pleased to start a unique partnership that will provide significant added value for the UK. 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.”
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By GlobalDataThe Patria 6×6 is a modular, durable, and affordable vehicle designed for protected troop transport, offering high performance and mobility. It can be configured for different roles.
This vehicle is part of the ongoing multinational Common Armoured Vehicle (CAVS) programme, which involves Finland, Latvia, and other European nations collaborating to produce an advanced 6×6 armoured vehicle system.
The CAVS programme is available to European nation with similar equipment requirements, conditional on approval from the countries involved.
Babcock land sector CEO Tom Newman 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.”
As a strategic partner to the British Army, Babcock is currently managing large-scale vehicle build programmes for the UK Armed Forces.
The British Army is seeking to procure new vehicles that offer enhanced protection for its forces in the coming years.
On 10 January 2025, the Ministry of Defence issued a Request for Information concerning the manufacture, delivery, operational support, and training associated with a Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) under the Land Mobility Programme (LMP) umbrella.
The LMV initiative is set to evaluate various alternatives, including the introduction of a wheeled utility platform intended to upgrade current capabilities provided by vehicles such as the Land Rover and Pinzgauer. This new platform aims to fulfil combat roles within the Joint Force using a Common Based Platform.
In preparation for this analysis, the authority is reaching out to industry stakeholders to engage in an initial market consultation phase.
This preliminary market engagement is designed to assist in shaping the procurement strategy. The objectives of this engagement include determining if there are existing off the shelf products that could satisfy the LMV requirements. Secondly, gaining a deeper understanding of the available market offerings that align with the LMV specifications. Thirdly, gathering insights into lifecycle costs and ownership expenses, and fourth, laying the groundwork for potential additional market engagement activities.
