Denmark has become a participant in the Finnish-led Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) initiative with the Danish government outlining plans to acquire 130 CAVS units from Patria.
The financial commitment is equivalent to roughly €250m ($270.45m). The acquisition strategy involves procuring a smaller quantity of vehicles within the current year followed by a more substantial order in the subsequent year.
The country anticipates that the integration of CAVS vehicles will bolster its national defence capabilities. Furthermore, Denmark regards the CAVS programme as an efficient mode of collaboration among Nordic nations.
Denmark Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen said: “With the purchase of armoured personnel carriers from Patria, we are strengthening the Army broadly with a contribution to both the light infantry battalion and the heavy brigade, so that Denmark’s defence is modernised and the soldiers have updated equipment. At the same time, it is important to strengthen the European defence industry – and that Denmark supports the industry by buying European. We are doing that with this purchase.”
The objective behind the CAVS programme is to advance the development of a 6 x 6 Armoured Vehicle System tailored to satisfy the shared specifications and demands of all member countries.
With Denmark’s entry, it becomes the fifth nation to join this collective procurement framework, alongside Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany.
As part of the initial steps towards full participation, Denmark and existing CAVS members are set to sign an addendum to their current arrangement. This action will pave the way for Denmark’s involvement in commercial contracts that facilitate batch acquisitions of CAVS units.
Patria market area Nordics senior vice president Mats Warstedt said: “Patria welcomes Denmark’s swift decision to join the CAVS programme. The constantly evolving European security landscape has resulted into a high need of multinational collaboration enhancing interoperability and security of supply between allied nations.
“Supported by EU’s European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), the CAVS programme is a prime example for creating the desired common capabilities in a quick and cost-effective manner.”
In 2024, Patria entered into a Life Cycle Management contract with Finland and Latvia to enhance the long-term operational efficiency of the CAVS programme.
The Patria 6×6 is designed for troop transport and can be adapted for various combat support roles.
These roles include as a company command vehicle, medical evacuation vehicle, heavy APC, and for the 120mm Patria Nemo mortar system.
The majority of vehicle supply for the CAVS programme is sourced through the local industries of member nations, with each new member enhancing the security of supply for the entire system.
This collaboration follows Germany’s agreement in February 2025, to commence a work package with Patria for the development and qualification of mortar systems for the Bundeswehr within the CAVS framework.
To date, Patria has received orders for more than 850 of its 6×6 vehicles and has delivered more than 200.
The programme remains open to European countries with similar equipment needs, subject to the agreement of the current participating nations.
