Lithuania has taken another significant step toward strengthening its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities as Patria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lithuanian defence company KOVO Armor to establish long-term industrial cooperation for the Patria 6×6 armoured vehicle programme. The agreement follows the Lithuanian State Defence Council’s announcement in May 2026 of its intention to procure 936 Patria 6×6 armoured vehicles. KOVO Armor becomes the first Lithuanian company selected as part of Patria’s planned industrial partner network that will support technology transfer, local manufacturing and lifecycle services for the programme.
The MoU marks the beginning of detailed discussions covering production, transfer of manufacturing expertise, workforce development and supply chain integration. The collaboration is expected to play a key role in building Lithuania’s long-term industrial capabilities while supporting the country’s defence modernisation plans.
Patria has engaged with several Lithuanian companies across manufacturing, engineering and maintenance functions and believes the country possesses the industrial base required to support advanced defence production. The partnership framework will also cover integrated logistics, spare parts management and in-country maintenance services throughout the operational life of the vehicles, with deliveries aligned to Lithuania’s procurement schedule.
Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Protected Mobility business area, said the collaboration represents the first step in establishing a lasting industrial partnership that will combine advanced armoured vehicle production with the development of national manufacturing capabilities. He noted that local production, technology transfer and supply chain integration would generate long-term economic and security benefits for Lithuania.
Agnė Rakštytė, Chief Executive Officer of KOVO Armor, described the agreement as an important milestone for the Lithuanian defence sector. She said the partnership recognises the company’s technical expertise and investments made over recent years, while also strengthening supply chain resilience and supporting the continued growth of Lithuania’s defence manufacturing industry.
The Patria 6×6 vehicle serves as the foundation of the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme, launched in 2020 to provide participating countries with a shared modern armoured mobility platform. The programme currently includes Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany and the United Kingdom, while the vehicles are also operational in Ukraine. The initiative remains open to additional European and NATO member states with similar operational requirements.
With more than a century of experience in defence and technology, Patria continues to expand its international footprint through advanced mobility, defence systems and sustainment solutions. Operating across Europe and Asia, the company supports military customers with integrated land, sea and air capabilities while strengthening regional industrial partnerships. The agreement with KOVO Armor represents another step in enhancing Europe’s defence manufacturing capacity through local expertise, technology sharing and long-term industrial cooperation.
