From left: Michael Lausen, Head of In-Service Support / Special Technology of FFG, Christoph Cords, CEO of DSL, Jukka Holkeri, Executive Vice President, Global of Patria and Jörg Kamper, CEO of Jungenthal Wehrtechnik. Image – Patria.
Finnish defense manufacturer Patria has partnered with German industry leaders DSL (part of KNDS) and FFG to offer a tailored variant of Patria’s proven 6×6 armored personnel carrier (APC) as a potential replacement for the aging Fuchs fleet.
This strategic alliance leverages Patria’s design and development expertise, DSL’s engineering capabilities, and FFG’s production and support infrastructure. This synergy aims to deliver a solution that adheres to stringent German requirements and fosters long-term collaboration within the domestic defense industry.
Under the international Common Armoured Vehicles System (CAVS) program Patria will be the prime contractor if Germany decides to procure Patria vehicles. Patria will lead the design and development of the system, while DSL in Freisen and FFG in their units in Flensburg (FFG) and Kirchen (JWT) will provide local engineering, production, and life-cycle support in Germany. Along with the now starting more detailed localization preparation, the team will engage also other German companies to participate in the program effort.
The CAVS program, originally established by Finland and Latvia, and later joined by Sweden and Germany, is a joint program of several European governments to create a state-of-the-art 6×6 armored vehicle system. Germany officially joined the CAVS program in April 2023. The joint program is open to countries sharing similar requirements.
The program chose the Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier as the vehicle platform in 2019.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
