Ukraine has now received 42 Patria 6x6 armoured vehicles from Latvia. During a ceremony at the Ādaži military base on 6 November, Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal received the final delivery of 21 vehicles from Defence Minister Andris Sprūds.
The donation also includes spare parts and repair kits intended for field vehicle maintenance. According to Shmyhal, the vehicles will be immediately deployed with Ukraine's special forces. Latvia's Defence Minister Andris Sprūds emphasised that the donation is not only a support to Ukraine but also an opportunity to test vehicles manufactured in Latvia in combat.
In conjunction with Shmyhal's visit to Riga, Ukraine and Latvia signed a bilateral defence industrial cooperation agreement. The memorandum includes joint research and development, exchange of experience in weapon systems, and planning for the joint production of drones. Latvia also presented a product catalogue from 54 Latvian companies with over 300 defence products.
“We focus on innovation, joint projects, and industrial cooperation,” said Shmyhal after the meeting. Minister Sprūds added that there are also plans for continued training of Ukrainian soldiers and the establishment of joint ventures in the defence sector.