Ukrainian forces tests Finnish-made armoured vehicle on water
Ukrainian troops from the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade are testing the Finnish-made Patria 6×6 armoured vehicle, including practising its movement on water.
Source: a video released by Army Media, a Ukrainian defence news outlet
Details: The footage shows the vehicle entering the water and moving afloat, with its hull creating a wave. The soldiers said this was already the second day of amphibious drills.
While moving on water, part of the control functions are assigned to the crew.
"When it starts floating, the driver has limited visibility. The gunner, standing in the open hatch above, keeps watch and guides him too – more to the left, more to the right, make a turn," explained the commander of the armoured group of the 1st Assault Battalion who goes under the alias Sokil (Hawk).
The video shows the APC in motion, crossing rough terrain, and also offers a detailed look at its interior layout, armament and the driver's station.
"The vehicle is fairly fast. On the road it can do more than 100 kilometres per hour. On this kind of road, it can reach up to 60," said a driver from the 1st Assault Battalion who goes under the alias Murchyk.
The APC is fitted with a heavy Browning machine gun mounted on a manually operated turret.
The Patria 6×6 can also carry a range of weapons, from heavy machine guns and grenade launchers to combat modules with cannons and even a turreted 120mm mortar.
Inside the APC is a spacious troop compartment designed for about 10 soldiers. The seats are mounted and foldable, allowing the vehicle to be used not only for transporting personnel but also for logistics.
"There is plenty of room for ammunition... you can also deliver food, ammunition and other supplies to infantry on the near front line," Lieutenant Volodymyr Kravchuk said.
The driver's position is equipped with front and rear-view cameras, night cameras and a thermal imager. Infantry troops seated inside can also see the terrain the vehicle is moving through on screens.
The soldiers said the vehicle has high mobility, particularly thanks to its steerable front axles, which is especially noticeable when manoeuvring in confined spaces.
The vehicle's survivability also drew particular attention.
"Even if it is running on the front left and middle right wheels only, it can still keep going... it can get about 60 kilometres away from the line of contact," Sokil added.
The vehicle is also to be further adapted for modern warfare, taking into account the threat posed by drones.
"We will fit cage armour all the way around it, and the top will be protected as well. That helps a lot against FPV drones," Sokil said.
He also added that the vehicle's basic protection level allows it to withstand armour-piercing 7.62mm rounds.
For reference: Patria 6×6 is a Finnish armoured vehicle developed in the 2000s by Patria, a Finnish defence company. The platform was designed as a unified solution for European armed forces within a joint armoured vehicle development programme.
Countries including Finland, Latvia and Sweden joined the programme and either use or plan to use the platform as a base vehicle for their ground forces.
Background:
- In 2025, Latvia transferred 42 Patria 6×6 armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine. The vehicles are equipped with 12.7mm NATO-standard machine guns and ammunition. The package also includes spare parts, special tools and repair equipment, a mobile repair workshop and maintenance documentation.
- In December last year, it was reported that the Bundeswehr procurement office BAAINBw signed a contract with Patria for the production and delivery of 349 CAVS 6×6 wheeled armoured vehicles in several variants.
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