Latvia Enhances Ukraine's Defense with New APCs
Latvia intends to transfer 42 new Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine in 2025.
According to LSM.lv, most of them will be new, as stated by the Latvian Ministry of Defense.
Delivery of 42 Patria APCs to Ukraine
These armored vehicles are produced by the Latvian company SIA Defence Partnership Latvia.
“We continue to support Ukraine. In previous years, we managed to provide assistance from our reserves. However, this year we realize that we need to invest in financing and essentially also procure weapons that we provide to Ukraine,” emphasized Latvia's Minister of Defense Andris Spruds.
Last year, Latvia provided Ukraine with military assistance worth approximately 100 million euros. A similar level of support is planned for 2025 and 2026.
Patria APCs: Specifications
Patria AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) is a multi-role military vehicle with an 8×8 wheeled configuration, manufactured by the Finnish defense company Patria.
The main feature of the AMV is its modular design, which allows for the installation of different turrets, armaments, sensors, or communication systems on a single platform. There are projects for various versions of APCs and infantry fighting vehicles, as well as for communication, medical vehicles, and various fire support versions armed with heavy-caliber mortars and artillery systems.
The vehicle was initially developed in 6×6, 8×8, and 10×10 configurations, but the 10×10 version was later discarded.
Latvia Sends 100 FPV Drones to Ukraine
Previously, Latvia transferred 100 FPV drones of its own production to Ukraine as part of the initiative “Drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”
Funding for the drone procurement was raised during a charity event organized by Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba Brazhe.
The Latvian Ministry of the Interior has drafted amendments to the national security law prohibiting citizens of Russia and Belarus from working at critical infrastructure facilities.
Additionally, in December, Latvia provided Ukraine with humanitarian aid in the form of 612 confiscated vehicles valued at 2.25 million euros.
