Denmark joins the European CAVS programme « Euro Weekly News

Denmark has officially joined the Finnish-led Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme, making it the fifth participating country alongside Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany.

The announcement, made today on April 1 – not an April Fools! – allows Denmark to engage in joint procurement of 6×6 armoured vehicles developed by Finnish defence company Patria.

The CAVS programme is a significant European defence collaboration. It focuses on the development and deployment of armoured vehicles tailored to meet shared military needs.

Strengthening Denmark’s national defence

According to the Finnish Ministry of Defence, Denmark plans to acquire 130 Patria vehicles, with the total contract value estimated at DKK 1.9 billion (approximately €250 million). A smaller batch will be purchased this year, followed by a larger order next year.

“The CAVS programme is a success story for cooperation between the Finnish Defence administration and the defence industry,” said Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen. He praised Denmark’s swift accession, noting that the programme’s expansion reflects “effective export promotion measures” and strong Nordic collaboration.

Funding for the CAVS programme

The CAVS programme has also received €60 million in funding from the EU’s European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA). This financial support, Häkkänen explained, will aid the administration of the programme and enhance cooperation among member nations.

Patria, responsible for coordinating development of the 6×6 platform, sees Denmark’s entry as vital to bolstering European security. “The constantly evolving European security landscape has resulted in a high need for multinational collaboration,” said Mats Warstedt, Senior Vice President of Patria’s Market Area Nordics, as reported by Defence Industry Europe. He added that the programme is an “excellent example for creating common capabilities in a quick and cost-effective manner.”

More than 850 Patria vehicles have already been ordered across the programme, with over 200 delivered. Several vehicle variants are in development, including the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).

European defence

Denmark’s inclusion opens doors to further joint contracts and cooperation, reinforcing its defence capability and interoperability with neighbouring allies. As the programme remains open to additional European partners with similar defence needs, the CAVS initiative could be a sign of stronger, more unified European defence procurement in the years to come.

View all news from Denmark.