Finnish Patria ordered Protector RS4 combat modules from Norwegian Kongsberg for installation on Patria 6x6 armored personnel carriers. We're talking about vehicles for Germany and Sweden, purchased under the Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) program.
According to an announcement from the Norwegian company, the contract value will be 140 million euros, but delivery volumes are not disclosed. Also potentially included in the deal is the option to purchase additional modules in 2026 or the following years.
Read more: TAG Dynamics Builds ISV On Legendary Toyota Hilux, But Costs Nearly As Much As Armored JLTV
It's stated that this procurement positions Protector RS4 as a standard combat module within the multinational CAVS program, especially since they were previously ordered for Sweden and Finland. Therefore, it's quite likely that other participants in the future will also install them if desired.
It's worth noting that some countries that bought Patria 6x6s under this initiative took only the regular gunner position on top. Actually, such a configuration was supplied by Latvia to Ukraine's Defense Forces.
Regarding the Protector RS4 itself, this is the latest iteration of a popular combat module installed on a wide range of equipment, including Abrams tanks. Moreover, they could also be delivered to the Ukrainian military as part of the CORTEX Typhon counter-drone system.
On such a turret one can install both 12.7mm M2 Browning machine guns and smaller M240 and M249, or even M134 Minigun. The armament itself is stabilized in two planes, and day and night viewing modes with a laser rangefinder are available. The possibility of modifying to shoot down drones is present.
Overall, installing a combat module can significantly enhance APC's fire capabilities but will also raise the price, which is one of Patria 6x6's advantages. Also, a separate solution will need to be created for it when using counter-drone nets, which, for example, were demonstrated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Currently, seven countries have joined the CAVS program: Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Germany, Great Britain, and Norway. Over 250 vehicles have already been transferred, and the total order is expected to exceed 1,000-1,200 vehicles.
Read more: New Threat to Ukraine: russia Unveils Skorlupa USV with Fiber-Optic FPV Drones, Claims Serial Production
