Patria and KOVO Armor sign a Memorandum of Understanding following Lithuania’s announced procurement of Patria 6x6 vehicles

Lithuania’s State Defence Council announced in May 2026 its intention to procure 936 Patria 6x6 armoured vehicles. Following the announcement, Patria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lithuania-based defence company KOVO Armor, the first company of the planned long-term partner network for technology transfer in Lithuania. The MoU will initiate detailed discussions on industrial cooperation with Patria, including local production, technology transfer and labour skills development.

Patria has held extensive discussions with various potential partners across development, manufacturing, and maintenance capability, and Lithuania has all the needed capabilities for technology transfer. The cooperation framework supports Lithuania’s requirements over the full lifecycle. This includes integrated logistics, spare parts and on-site sustainment, with deliveries aligned to national procurement timelines. The aim is to strengthen domestic industrial participation, create skilled jobs and further develop Lithuania’s defence industry.

“Through this cooperation, Patria is taking the first steps for establishing a long-term partnership with Lithuanian industry that delivers capable armoured vehicles and develops national industrial capacity for the future. Together with KOVO Armor, we will advance local production, technology transfer and supply chain integration to create lasting economic and security benefits for Lithuania,” says Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Protected Mobility business area.

“KOVO Armor is proud to be the first Lithuanian company to sign an MoU with Patria following Lithuania’s strategic intent to acquire Patria’s 6x6 vehicles. This step recognises KOVO Armor’s expertise in this specialised field, the company’s investments in recent years and its rapid growth. We believe this cooperation will make a significant contribution to strengthening supply chain security and fostering the growth of Lithuania’s,” says Agnė Rakštytė, CEO of KOVO Armor.

Launched in 2020, the CAVS programme provides a joint, modern 6x6 armoured vehicle platform based on Patria 6x6 vehicle. The programme is participated today by Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany and the UK, with vehicles being also operational in Ukraine. The CAVS programme remains open to European and NATO nations with comparable 6x6 armoured vehicle requirements.

Media enquiries and further information:

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

CAVS programme: www.patriagroup.com/common-armoured-vehicle-system-cavs-programme

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