Latvian CAVS 6×6 delivered to Ukraine

Latvia has delivered a number of Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) 6×6 armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine, according to a July 16 announcement from the Ukrainian MoD. The vehicles were officially handed over during a ceremony attended by Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silini. 

She met with Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Major Valery Churkin and Commander of the 3rd Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel Andriy Biletsky. The Latvian Prime Minister has promised to provide 42 CAVS APCs to Ukraine, which will come from the country’s domestic production line. 

“Today’s significant support enhances the mobility and protection of our forces, directly enhancing our operational capabilities in high-threat environments. Your commitments reflect a clear strategic vision and a strong position on supporting European security,” Ukraine’s Deputy Minister noted, emphasising Latvia’s ongoing commitments to Ukraine. The Ukrainian experience with the vehicles will be used to inform Latvia’s development of the CAVS for its own needs. 

Speaking slightly less politically, Colonel Biletsky said, “This is the best and perhaps the newest thing the brigade has received. These vehicles will save the lives of our soldiers and shorten the lives of the occupiers.” The vehicles will be used by one of the Corps’ most effective assault units, he added.  

Patria’s Latvian production facility, known as Defence Partnership Latvia, delivered its first locally produced vehicles to the Latvian armed forces in August 2024. The factory is expected to produce around 30 vehicles per year, and is primarily serving Latvia’s procurement, which exceeds 200 vehicles. The factory will also participate in the production of the country’s ASCOD 2 IFVs.

Calibre comment

Protected mobility on the roads to the frontline, as well as on the frontline has been an enduring and critical requirement for Ukraine throughout the war. Relatively old and simple vehicles like the M113 can prevent hundreds of casualties each year that are caused by land mines and other unexploded munitions. Moreover, the roads to and from the very frontline are frequently patrolled by Russian strike drones with connections to artillery systems, making those journeys quite perilous. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on July 17, 2025. Credit for the lead image is the Ukrainian MoD.