Latvia Tests Future Patria Armored Vehicles on Public Roads
The Latvian Ministry of Defence has begun testing the Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier on public roads ahead of its delivery to the armed forces.
The evaluation is part of Riga’s objective to procure up to 200 of the system through 2029 in a deal signed with Finnish developer Patria in 2021.
Vehicles being used in the trials had received temporary license plates to “enable full-fledged quality control test drives” outside military proving grounds.
Latvia noted that benchmarks that the demonstrations use are based on the government’s special regulatory enactments applied to certify manufacturing before distribution to warfighters.
“Test drives on public roads are a way to make the certification and transfer of Patria armored vehicles manufactured in Latvia to the National Armed Forces more efficient,” Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds explained.
“Until now, the tests have been conducted at the Ādaži military training ground, where capacity is limited. With the amendments to the regulatory enactments initiated by the Ministry of Defence, the manufacturer will be able to accelerate deliveries to the armed forces, thus strengthening the defence of the Latvian state and the security of every citizen.”
Supporting Local Trials, Production
During the public road tests, the six-wheeled Patria vehicle will be assessed across “a number of kilometers” that were previously prohibited by the Latvian Road Traffic Law, while its devices and parts are monitored at a speed of 90 kilometers (56 miles) per hour.
Meanwhile, vehicles that have not yet received approval and access under the necessary regulatory acts will be tested at the Ādaži military training ground to sustain the timetable for the production process and deliveries.
Assembly of the test vehicles as well as the first batch of Patria 6×6 units ordered in 2024 will be supported by a local factory located in Valmiera.
“Test drives are carried out by specially trained company specialists on a specific route – before the drives, the critical functions of the vehicle are tested at the factory, using the test infrastructure, equipment and measuring devices located on the factory territory,” Patria Defence Partnership for Latvia Board Chairman Uģis Romanovs stated.
“In addition, like any other vehicle participating in traffic, 6×6 vehicles with test plates have mandatory civil insurance.”
The Patria 6×6 System
The Patria six-wheeled platform weighs up to 24,000 kilograms (52,911 pounds) based on customer requirements and measures 8 meters (26 feet) long.
The vehicle can transport up to 10 passengers while being protected from fragments, kinetic projectiles, and external blasts.
It is powered by a 390-horsepower Scania diesel engine for a top speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour and a range of 700 kilometers (435 miles).
