Patria and KNDS strengthen co-operation on European CAVS 6x6 vehicle programme

Patria and KNDS Deutschland strengthen their industrial cooperation within the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme during a working visit to Freisen, Germany. The companies also discussed the partnership’s opportunities for Saarland with Anke Rehlinger, Minister President of Saarland. The visit brought together Jyri Häkämies, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Patria, Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Protected Mobility business area, Florian Hohenwarter, CEO of KNDS Deutschland and Christoph Cords, CEO of KNDS Deutschland Maintenance. The discussions reviewed KNDS’s work packages, progress in establishing series production in Freisen and opportunities to scale up local industrial capacity. 

Patria and KNDS Deutschland Maintenance signed a framework agreement on 11 August 2026 covering the assembly and final integration of Patria 6x6 armoured personnel carriers for the German Armed Forces. The first series-production vehicles will initially be manufactured in Finland and, from 2027 onwards, equipped with mission-specific systems and undergo final assembly at KNDS Deutschland Maintenance’s Freisen site.  

“Our cooperation with KNDS is progressing according to plan and is an important part of building reliable industrial capacity for the German CAVS programme. Combining Patria’s 6x6 expertise and technology transfer with KNDS’s local capabilities strengthens security of supply, creates value in Germany and supports Europe’s defence manufacturing capacity,” says Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Protected Mobility business area. 

Launched in 2020, the Patria-led CAVS programme provides participating nations with a common, modern 6x6 armoured vehicle platform while utilising local industry capabilities. Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany and the United Kingdom currently participate in the programme.  

Media enquiries and further information:

CAVS programme: https://www.patriagroup.com/about-us/research-and-innovations/common-armoured-vehicle-system-cavs-programme 

Patria 6x6: www.patriagroup.com/products-and-services/protected-mobility/wheeled-mobility/patria-6x6 

[email protected] 

Sirje Ahvenlampi-Hyvönen, Vice President, Group Communications, Patria, tel. +358 50 557 3822, [email protected] 

Patria is a modern and international defence and technology company with over 100 years of experience. Through our top-notch experts and Protected Mobility, Defence and Weapon Systems and Sustainment Solutions business areas, we ensure reliable operations for our customers and serve as a partner in critical functions on land, sea and air – when if is not an option. Patria’s operating countries include Finland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Japan. 
 
Patria is owned by the State of Finland (50.1%) and Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (49.9%). Patria owns 50% of Nammo, and together these three companies form a leading Nordic defence partnership. 
www.patriagroup.com