EXCLUSIVE UPDATE: Patria and KOVO Armor sign a MoU 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 held extensive discussions with various potential partners across development, manufacturing, and maintenance capability, and Lithuania has all the needed capabilities for technology transfer.

“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.

Launched in 2020, the CAVS programme provides a joint, modern 6×6 armoured vehicle platform based on Patria 6×6 vehicle.

“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 ballistic protection 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.

ESD spoke exclusively with Patria’s and KOVO Armor’s leadership, asking additional questions to explain the MOU’s deeper meaning.

Since launching CAVS in 2020, how has Patria cooperated with each customer to share benefits at a local industrial level. To what extent can KOVO Armor expect to be involved with the implementation of production and perhaps further development of the CAVS 6×6?

“Since the launch of CAVS in 2020, Patria has worked closely with several partner countries to transfer technology, establish local production and involve national industry across manufacturing, maintenance and lifecycle support” assures Järvinen

“…As with KOVO Armor, this model will similarly focus on local industrial participation, including production, supply chain integration and potential involvement in future development work, leveraging Lithuania’s demonstrated capabilities and KOVO’s expertise in advanced protection solutions.”

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.

Why is this MoU important to both KOVO Armor and Patria – and how might its industrial cooperation lead to other such opportunities with other companies in other market countries?

“From KOVO Armor’s perspective, successful implementation of such cooperation would build confidence among customers and end users while reinforcing its reputation as a credible local defense industry partner,” clarifies Rakštytė.

 “Yes. This MoU represents a first step towards building a long-term industrial partnership in Lithuania,” contends Järvinen. “Advancing local production, technology transfer and creating tangible economic and security benefits while strengthening supply chain resilience.”

Järvinen explains: “By establishing a scalable cooperation model with trusted local partners like KOVO Armor, Patria further reinforces its approach to multinational industrial collaboration, creating a template that can be replicated in other markets where similar requirements and capabilities exist.”

So, how will Patria capitalise on its solid record cooperating with Baltic States on the defence-Industrial level and – hypothetically – where does KOVO Armor and Patria see future Lithuanian cooperation on a similar scale?

“Well, Patria will build on its proven Baltic cooperation model, particularly in Latvia, where technology transfer, local production and long-term lifecycle support have been successfully implemented in close partnership with national industry,” contends Järvinen.

“Indeed. This would also contribute to the development and expansion of the local defense industrial base,” avers Rakštytė.

“This includes companies such as KOVO Armor and others, by strengthening capabilities, consolidating its position as a long-term participant in the defense industry. This provides a foundation for further industrial development and long-term growth.”

“So,…” continues Järvinen,  “applying this approach in Lithuania, cooperation with partners – KOVO Armor as a very fine example – can evolve from initial production and integration towards broader capabilities. This includes sustainment and joint development, supporting the long-term growth and resilience of Lithuania’s defence industry.”

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.

Timmo Tammam

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