Netherlands wants to join common European armored personnel carrier CAVS program. This involves purchasing Finnish wheeled Patria 6x6, which were not only chosen by 8 European countries but also serve in Armed Forces.
Negotiations with several European countries are reported in explanatory note to 2026-2027 defense budget. They want to implement such project specifically through joint procurement.
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Overall Netherlands Defense Ministry promotes idea of Europeans using each other's contracts and joining them. Also actively encouraging involvement of Dutch industry in implementation.
As example of successful project, procurements through European intergovernmental Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) are cited, through which Dutch purchased heavy wheeled Boxer armored vehicles. At same time, Netherlands itself is not OCCAR member but may join if parliament approves such decision.
Defense Express notes using joint procurements will increase order massiveness and may help reduce cost. This should also positively impact unification and cooperation between European countries.
Specifically, Netherlands together with Germany through OCCAR purchased Schakal IFVs based on Boxer. While Belgium is joining Dutch NASAMS SAM system and Skyranger 30 gun AA system order.
Regarding CAVS (Common Armoured Vehicle System), this involves Finnish Patria 6x6 APC, which thanks to low price, massiveness and localization gained popularity among European countries. Thanks to Latvia's military assistance, it was also supplied to Armed Forces, where additional anti-drone protection was installed.
Officially 8 countries currently belong to program: Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Britain and Lithuania. Last two participants have not yet ordered equipment, while rest already have firm contracts.
The procurement can be carried out either with localization, as most participants have done, including Germany, or without it, as Norway did. How the Netherlands will proceed remains unclear, as the country has not yet joined CAVS and is likely still looking for partners.
Netherlands already received heavy Boxer AFVs, which have higher protection level but can cost quite expensively. Therefore quite likely Patria 6x6 is wanted as cheaper and more mass complement.
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