Latvia will supply Ukraine with 42 Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers this year, most of which will be newly manufactured, the Latvian Ministry of Defense announced on February 10.
The vehicles, produced in Latvia, will be delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces by SIA "Defence Partnership Latvia.” The supply of these armored personnel carriers will not impact the number or delivery schedule of those previously ordered for the Latvian National Armed Forces.
The Patria 6×6 is a modular, all-terrain armored personnel carrier designed for troop transport and battlefield support. Developed by Finnish defense firm Patria, it features six-wheel drive, ballistic and mine protection, and compatibility with various weapons and communication systems. The vehicle is used for troop transport, command and control, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance.
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds stated that while Latvia had previously supported Ukraine using existing stockpiles, this year, the government must allocate new funds and directly purchase military equipment.
He emphasized that acquiring weaponry from domestic manufacturers not only supports Ukraine but also strengthens Latvia’s defense industry. Testing equipment in real combat conditions provides valuable insights that contribute to Latvia’s own military development.
In addition to armored vehicles, Latvia delivered 1,161 unmanned aerial vehicles to Ukraine in mid-January as part of the international drone coalition’s supply plan.
This marks the final batch of drones in Latvia’s 2024 contribution, bringing the total to approximately 5,000 combat drones of various types and capabilities, including attack, reconnaissance, and “Bomber"-type drones manufactured in Latvia.
The Ministry of Defense will continue funding drone deliveries throughout the year, with manufacturers adapting specifications to meet Ukraine’s operational requirements.
In 2023, Latvia’s military support for Ukraine amounted to over 0.25% of its gross domestic product, approximately €100 million. A similar level of assistance is planned for 2024 and 2025, positioning Latvia among the leading contributors to Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Earlier, on February 9, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia synchronized their power grids with continental Europe on Sunday, completing a key step in their transition away from Russian energy dependence.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Ivan Khomenko")