Finnish Patria 6x6 armored personnel carriers, manufactured and transferred to Ukraine by Latvia, have been equipped with additional anti-drone protection by soldiers of the 3rd Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This has become a necessity due to the constant use of unmanned aerial vehicles.
The new modification was seen in photos taken during a training exercise by the 2nd Assault Battalion, published by the unit's press service. Most likely, this is where the Lithuanian-made armored vehicles were delivered, with the full shipment completed in just 10 months after the initial commitment.
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The basic Patria 6x6 without additional armor has STANAG level 2 protection. This means it offers protection against 7.62 mm rounds and can withstand mine blasts or explosive devices weighing up to 6 kg. Most likely, this is the configuration that was transferred to Ukraine.
While this may have been sufficient in the past, the widespread adoption of drones has created new problems. This is critical for armored personnel carriers, as their primary role is to transport personnel.
So, Patria 6x6 vehicles were fitted with anti-drone netting mounted on a special frame. In contrast to mesh screens, these nets improve the chances that an attacking UAV will be deflected or fail to detonate, thereby protecting the target.
To enhance protection from above, a specialized superstructure was fitted to support the anti-drone nets. The net can be slid aside to allow access to the troop or driver's compartment.
In terms of firepower, no dedicated machine-gun or cannon modules are installed, although several options had been considered earlier. The vehicle likely retains a basic turret with gunner's station, typically armed with a machine gun.
Overall, the Patria 6x6 has been well adapted to the realities of the russian-Ukrainian war, which should increase the vehicle's survivability. This could serve as a template for similar modifications in future deliveries of armored personnel carriers that Germany has already begun purchasin.
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