Lithuania to purchase 936 Finnish-made Patria armoured vehicles

Lithuania's national defence council decided on Wednesday to procure 936 Patria armoured vehicles of Finnish origin. The large-scale purchase marks a significant step in Lithuania's military modernisation efforts.

Lithuania is set to acquire 936 Finnish-made Patria armoured vehicles, following a decision made by the country's national defence council on Wednesday. The procurement represents one of the largest single armoured vehicle purchases in the Baltic region in recent years.

The Patria armoured personnel carrier, manufactured by Finnish defence company Patria, is widely used across NATO member states and is known for its versatility and combat-proven performance. Lithuania's decision to opt for the Finnish platform aligns with broader Baltic efforts to standardise equipment and enhance interoperability with allied forces.

The purchase comes amid heightened security concerns in the Baltic region following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Lithuania, like its Baltic neighbours Estonia and Latvia, has been steadily increasing defence spending and modernising its armed forces to meet NATO capability targets and deter potential aggression.