► Patria and KOVO Armor sign a Memorandum of Understanding following Lithuania’s announced procurement of Patria 6×6 vehicles

Lithuania’s State Defence Council announced in May 2026 its intention to procure 936 Patria 6×6 armoured vehicles. Following the announcement, Patria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lithuania-based defence company KOVO Armor, the first company of the planned long-term partner network for technology transfer in Lithuania. The MoU will initiate detailed discussions on industrial cooperation with Patria, including local production, technology transfer and labour skills development.

Patria has held extensive discussions with various potential partners across development, manufacturing, and maintenance capability, and Lithuania has all the needed capabilities for technology transfer. The cooperation framework supports Lithuania’s requirements over the full lifecycle. This includes integrated logistics, spare parts and on-site sustainment, with deliveries aligned to national procurement timelines. The aim is to strengthen domestic industrial participation, create skilled jobs and further develop Lithuania’s defence industry.

“Through this cooperation, Patria is taking the first steps for establishing a long-term partnership with Lithuanian industry that delivers capable armoured vehicles and develops national industrial capacity for the future. Together with KOVO Armor, we will advance local production, technology transfer and supply chain integration to create lasting economic and security benefits for Lithuania,” says Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Protected Mobility business area.

“KOVO Armor is proud to be the first Lithuanian company to sign an MoU with Patria following Lithuania’s strategic intent to acquire Patria’s 6×6 vehicles. This step recognises KOVO Armor’s expertise in this specialised field, the company’s investments in recent years and its rapid growth. We believe this cooperation will make a significant contribution to strengthening supply chain security and fostering the growth of Lithuania’s,” says Agnė Rakštytė, CEO of KOVO Armor.

Launched in 2020, the CAVS programme provides a joint, modern 6×6 armoured vehicle platform based on Patria 6×6 vehicle. The programme is participated today by Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany and the UK, with vehicles being also operational in Ukraine. The CAVS programme remains open to European and NATO nations with comparable 6×6 armoured vehicle requirements.