Latvia will hand over the last batch of 42 Patria 6×6 armored vehicles to Ukraine
Ukraine will receive 21 Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers from Latvia on November 6. The handover will take place at the Adaži military base with the participation of Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal.
Latvia will complete the transfer of armored personnel carriers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine by providing the last batch of the promised 42 vehicles on November 6. The handover ceremony will take place at the Adaži military base near Riga, attended by Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, who is on a working visit to Latvia. According to Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds, the support of Ukraine in the form of armored personnel carriers is an important aid in the fight against aggression from Russia.
The transferred armored personnel carriers for the AFU are armed with 12.7-mm NATO-caliber machine guns and are accompanied by ammunition, spare parts, and tools for equipment repair. The supply also includes a mobile repair station and maintenance documentation.
Latvia, which previously approved the transfer of these armored vehicles and other equipment, actively supports Ukraine in its resistance to Russian aggression. The first batch of equipment was received by Ukraine in July. The Latvian Ministry of Defense noted that the military aid provided by Latvia will reach 0.3% of the country’s GDP by the end of 2025, in line with the commitment by Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia to allocate 0.25% of GDP to support Ukraine.
Patria 6×6 are armored personnel carriers developed in Finland, with a production potential of up to 160 units annually at the Defence Partnership Latvia plant. They are used in the armies of Sweden, Finland, and Latvia. The armored vehicles have gained a reputation as reliable means of troop transport and can be configured for various tasks, including the use of Patria Nemo mortar systems.
On another front, President Zelensky previously announced the expansion of Patriot systems in Ukraine’s airspace defense with assistance from Germany.
| Date | Number of transferred APC | Country of origin |
|---|---|---|
| July 2023 | First batch | Latvia |
| November 6, 2023 | Last batch of 21 units | Latvia |
