9.9.2025
The new Patria TRACKX elevates tracked vehicle performance to a new level. This modern and cost-effective option has been developed for demanding conditions, from arctic regions to desert sand dunes.
Text: Matti Remes
Photos: Patria
Improving land forces' mobility and capability is central as EU countries develop their long-term defence readiness. Patria’s new tracked vehicle, Patria TRACKX, responds to these growing needs and is developed as part of the multinational FAMOUS programme funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF).
Patria TRACKX is designed as a modern and cost-efficient alternative to current light tracked vehicles in the 13–18 ton weight class.
Sami Oja, Director, Tracked Vehicle Product, Protected Mobility, says the project is about updating the entire product segment for a wider customer base.
– There is currently no comparable product segment from any other manufacturer, Oja notes.
Tracked vehicles in this segment and weight class for military use are mainly four-tracked. Patria made a conscious decision to develop a dual-track product.
– Our competitors mostly manufacture lighter or significantly heavier and more expensive vehicles. With our new product, we are creating an entirely new market between these options, Oja explains.
Performance meets demanding criteria
Patria was given the main responsibility in the FAMOUS project to develop a tracked vehicle whose performance for military use meets tough requirements even in the most demanding operating environments.
The starting point was to bring to the market a vehicle that can operate smoothly even on soft terrain —be it deep snow, marshes, or desert sand dunes.
The vehicle is equipped with wide rubber tracks, enabling very low ground pressure and effective movement on soft and uneven surfaces. The vehicle can climb or descend a 60 percent gradient straight up or down and drive on a 30 percent side slope. It can cross a two-meter-wide trench with hard edges.
Patria TRACKX is a versatile tracked vehicle designed for extreme environments, offering exceptional mobility, low ground pressure, and a long operational range of 500 kilometers.
Thanks to its rubber tracks, the vehicle can also be driven on roads without damaging asphalt.
Its suitability for various environments is also highlighted by the fact that it can be used in outdoor temperatures ranging from -46 to +44 degrees Celsius.
One of the key strengths of the Patria TRACKX is its excellent operational and tactical mobility. Its top speed on roads is about 80 kilometers per hour, whereas current four-tracked vehicles reach only about 40 km/h. Patria TRACKX can cross bodies of water at four kilometers per hour.
– In addition to mobility, we aim for a long operational range. With Patria TRACKX, a long operational range is 500 kilometers, says Sami Oja.
Patria TRACKX elevates tracked vehicle performance to a new level.
Patria’s strong vehicle expertise in the background
Patria is known internationally especially for its armoured 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles. According to Oja, the strong experience in vehicle development has also been utilized with Patria TRACKX.
– For example, the cabin, dashboard, and seating for the crew are very similar to those in the 6x6 vehicle. The windshield and side windows are also positioned for optimal visibility, Oja mentions.
The Patria TRACKX cabin has two seats for the driver and commander. In the back, there are seats for ten transported personnel.
The vehicle’s combat weight is a maximum of 15.5 tons. Its 269-kilowatt engine and subsystems are positioned behind the driver, keeping the center of gravity low and central for improved stability.
Patria TRACKX is a highly stable and protected armored vehicle, leveraging Patria's extensive experience, with advanced crew accommodations, a powerful engine, and modular armament options.
The Patria TRACKX can be equipped with light weapon systems, such as a light cannon or heavy machine gun. The model presented at the Eurosatory fair in Paris featured a Kongsberg Protector RS6 turret with a 30-millimeter autocannon.
Its ballistic protection, according to the STANAG 4569 classification, is at level K1, which protects against small arms bullets and artillery shell fragments. Its mine protection corresponds to STANAG 4569 level M1.
The FAMOUS project strengthens EU defence
The FAMOUS (Future Highly Mobile Augmented Armoured Systems) programme, led by Finland and coordinated by Patria, started in 2020 and currently involves nine countries: Finland, Belgium, Denmark, Latvia, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, and Spain. Over 30 leading European defense companies also participate.
In Finland, FAMOUS focuses on developing the Army’s arctic mobility. Patria has been mainly responsible for designing the new vehicle, system integration, and prototype manufacturing.
The goal is to develop a high-performance vehicle solution to replace the current tracked logistics vehicles in the 2030s.
Many other EU countries have similar modernization needs.
The FAMOUS programme also supports the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the EU defence industry. EU funding for FAMOUS amounts to over 100 million euros, with member states contributing about 20 million euros.
The vehicle is equipped with wide rubber tracks, enabling very low ground pressure and effective movement on soft and uneven surfaces.
A new product generating significant international interest
Patria introduced the vehicle concept developed in the FAMOUS programme for the first time at the Eurosatory fair in Paris in 2024. The prototype was presented in spring 2025 and was showcased at the international DSEI defense event in London in September.
– There has been great interest in the new vehicle concept. Every week we have customers visiting to discuss and see the prototype, says Sami Oja.
Oja says that the majority of interest comes from countries within the EU, but there are also some inquiries from outside Europe.
Patria’s innovative TRACKX vehicle concept, unveiled through the FAMOUS programme, is attracting widespread international interest and is on track for series production after ongoing development and testing.
Sami Oja notes that the development of Patria TRACKX is ongoing, including field tests with the Finnish Defence Forces. After these, Patria will be fully ready to start pre-series production. Patria estimates that after approval testing, series production could begin in 2027.
– The FAMOUS programme is also progressing. The next phase will bring more development packages and complement the overall solution with various features, Oja explains.
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