On October 7, Patria laid the cornerstone for a new production plant in Latvia at the Valmiera Industrial and Export Park. This expands the existing manufacturing of Patria 6×6 troop-transport vehicles (CAVS). According to Patria, the new facility in Valmiera, Latvia, creates opportunities for further defense projects of the national armed forces, including the assembly and maintenance of GDELS HUNTER infantry fighting vehicles.
The plant is being built in immediate proximity to the existing Defence Partnership Latvia facility and is intended, in addition to the production of armored vehicles, to cover full life-cycle support as well as further defense projects to strengthen the military capabilities of Latvia and its allies. In Valmiera, the first ASCOD assembled there was recently handed over to Latvia. In addition, the amphibious M3 is being serviced there.
Latvia’s Minister of Defense Raivis Melnis emphasized that this investment specifically expands local industrial capacity, security of supply, and the resilience of the national armed forces. Patria CEO Panu Routila also highlighted that the partnership with GDELS and the involvement of local companies enable a more efficient and faster provision of modern military equipment.
The completion of the new production building is planned for the third quarter of 2027.
Author: Gerhard Heiming, Defense Industry Editor
