These modifications, which include readiness for a Remote Weapon Station, will commence in early 2026 at Patria’s facilities in Hämeenlinna, Finland.
The project involves upgrading 58 units as part of a mid-life enhancement plan for the PATGB203 fleet, originally delivered to Sweden in the early 2000s.
Patria market area Nordics vice president Mats Warstedt said: “Sweden’s decision to modify PATGB203 vehicles reflects a strong confidence in Patria’s ability to execute complex modifications of heavy armoured vehicles.
“This contract enhances the capabilities of the Swedish Armed Forces’ PATGB203 fleet and aligns with Patria’s goal to serve as a strategic partner to both the Armed Forces and the FMV across the lifespan of delivered products.”
The Patria XA-203, known as Pasi, functions primarily as an armoured personnel carrier. First produced in 1983, it was acquired for crisis management operations and is designed to operate across diverse terrains.
The vehicle features a 12.7 millimetres (mm) NSV heavy machine gun mounted on an Overhead Weapons Station turret. It measures 7.7 metres (m) in length, 2.95m in width, and 3.34m in height.
The vehicle has a total weight capacity of 22,500kg and uses a turbocharged Valmet diesel engine, providing 202kW (275 hp) of power.
Earlier this month, Sweden placed an order for an additional 94 Patria 6×6 vehicles, referred to locally as Pansarterrängbil 300. This order includes troop transport, command control (C2), and Medevac variants and is valued at approximately Skr1.5bn ($158.8m).
Combined with a prior order from 2024 for 321 vehicles, this will bring the total to 415 units delivered between 2025 and 2030.
This procurement is conducted under the Finnish-led multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme, in which Sweden participates alongside Latvia, Denmark, Germany, Norway, and the UK.
Last week, Patria finalised two procurement contracts with Germany under the CAVS programme. Valued at over €2bn, these contracts cover up to 876 Patria 6×6 armoured vehicles in four variants.
Deliveries will start in 2026 and will be followed by a technology transfer to German industry partners FFG, JWT, and KNDS. The first 100% locally built armoured vehicles are expected by 2027.
