Patria TRACKX

Patria Debuts New ‘TRACKX’ All-Terrain Tracked Vehicle at DSEI 2025

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Finnish defence firm Patria has unveiled a new tracked armoured vehicle, expanding its product line beyond the wheeled platforms for which it’s best known. The new vehicle – unofficially referred to as “Patria TRACKX” – was launched on the opening day of the DSEI 2025 exhibition in London, built upon the FAMOUS concept prototype first shown at Eurosatory 2024.

Designed under a European collaborative program, this all-terrain armoured personnel carrier (APC) is engineered to tackle extreme environments like arctic terrain, swamps, and deep snow, while carrying a squad of troops in a protected compartment. Patria’s latest offering aims to fill a capability gap in Western armies by replacing aging Cold War-era tracked vehicles with a modern, highly mobile and cost-effective solution.

European Collaboration and New Segment

The development of Patria’s new tracked vehicle is part of the Future Highly Mobile Augmented Armoured Systems (FAMOUS) program – a multinational European Union-funded effort. Patria leads a consortium of nine countries and 35 companies that began concept development in 2019, with testing underway since 2020. The program has significant EU backing (€95 million from the European Defence Fund, plus €19 million from participant nations) to spur European innovation in armoured vehicles. According to Patria, the goal is to improve the performance of new and existing armoured vehicles for Europe’s armed forces, emphasizing extreme climate operability and interoperability among member states.

“We aim for this FAMOUS tracked vehicle to become our next breakthrough product,” said Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President, Protected Mobility of Patria, noting an obvious need for better mobility in regions like Lapland and other harsh terrains. Many European armies still operate venerable but outdated APCs like the American-made M113 and Soviet-designed MT-LB. Patria explicitly targets these aging fleets for replacement, offering greater protection and speed than those older designs. The Finnish Defence Forces – which supported the vehicle’s initial design – are expected to be a launch customer pending successful trials. Patria’s venture into tracked armour marks a strategic expansion for the company. Until now, Patria’s portfolio cantered on wheeled armoured vehicles, such as the 8×8 AMV and new 6×6 CAVS, both widely exported. The TRACKX is Patria’s only tracked vehicle and is intended to complement existing solutions rather than directly compete with heavier infantry fighting vehicles. Army Recognition reports that this single-hull design could serve as a modern alternative to traditional articulated over-snow vehicles like BAE Systems’ BvS10 “Beowulf”, which use two linked carriages for extreme terrain mobility. Unlike the BvS10, which bends in the middle to handle sharp turns, Patria’s vehicle uses a rigid one-piece hull engineered to push through obstacles like dense forests and snowdrifts. This approach trades some manoeuvrability for improved stability and payload, providing another option for militaries operating in challenging landscapes.

One-of-a-Kind in the West

Patria and EU officials describe the new platform as one-of-a-kind among Western armoured vehicles today. While several NATO armies have fielded modern heavy tracked IFVs, e.g. BAE’s CV90 or Rheinmetall’s Lynx, those tend to be much heavier (30–40+ tonnes) and optimized for high-intensity combat with large calibre turrets. In contrast, Patria’s 15-ton class vehicle revives the concept of a light, amphibious tracked APC with modern technology – something not currently offered by major Western contractors. An EU defence industry release highlighted that “FAMOUS is now unique in its series in Western countries,” combining top-tier tactical mobility with the strategic mobility (air transportability and road endurance) of a light vehicle. Patria sees an opportunity to fill the gap between increasingly heavy IFVs and ultra-light utility carriers, providing sufficient protection and firepower in a platform that is easier to deploy in large numbers and across difficult terrain.

Designed for Extreme Mobility and Climate

Earlie this year, Patria’s FAMOUS prototype was on display in Rovaniemi, painted in winter camouflage, during a live demonstration. The 15-ton tracked vehicle is purpose-built for mobility in snow, swamp, and other challenging terrains. It features a low-profile hull and wide rubber tracks to reduce ground pressure, enabling travel across soft soil and deep snow with minimal sink-in.

At approximately 15 tonnes gross weight, the new APC is significantly lighter than frontline IFVs, which directly contributes to its mobility. It can carry a standard infantry squad – 2 crew (driver + commander) and 10 fully-equipped troops – with a payload capacity of 3.5 tonnes for equipment. Despite its light class, it offers an operational range of about 600 km and has achieved road speeds up to 88 km/h in tests, exceeding the original 80 km/h requirement. Patria officials emphasize that the vehicle’s performance has been proven on soft soils, marshlands, and snow, terrains where traditional heavy armour often struggles. Thanks to its low weight and design, the TRACKX can also swim – it is fully amphibious with a water speed up to ~4 km/h (using its tracks for propulsion), depending on payload. This allows units to ford rivers and lakes without additional preparation, a valuable capability in Nordic and Baltic operating areas dotted with water obstacles.

Engineered for extreme climates, the vehicle is guaranteed to operate in temperatures from –46 °C to +44 °C, reflecting its Arctic testing heritage. During winter trials above the Arctic Circle, Patria testers noted the machine “behaves like a boat” in deep snow – a result of careful weight distribution. The engine is mounted centrally, just behind the crew compartment, and the transmission is at the front, yielding an optimal centre of gravity that enhances flotation over snow. The vehicle’s belly is also a flat, uninterrupted surface (no torsion bar housings), providing a high ground clearance of about 0.5 m to negotiate snowdrifts, mud, and to improve mine blast survivability.

Agility with Protection and Payload

According to released specs, the new APC can climb up to 60% gradients and cross a 2 m-wide trench. Its specific ground pressure at maximum weight is around 32 kPa – low enough to traverse boggy ground that would trap heavier vehicles. This agility approaches that of much smaller unarmoured vehicles, yet Patria’s design still offers protection and payload. For instance, the hull is made of all-welded steel with appliqué armour options, providing baseline protection at NATO STANAG Level K1 (kinetic) and M1 (mine) – sufficient against 7.62 mm armour-piercing rounds and small blasts, classifying it as a “light APC” in protection level. Additional armour kits can be added if higher threat resistance is needed, though with some trade-off in weight.

Key Technical Features and Innovations

  • Size & Crew Capacity: Roughly 7.2 m long, 2.9 m wide, and only 2.0 m tall at the roof, the TRACKX presents a low-profile silhouette. It carries 12 personnel (2 crew + 10 passengers) in a rear troop compartment, who enter/exit via a rear door ramp. Despite the compact size, its interior is designed for ergonomic seating and swift egress.
  • Powertrain & Speed: Powered by a Caterpillar 7.1L six-cylinder turbo-diesel (rated around 269 kW / 360 hp in the latest prototype) mated to a RENK automatic transmission. This yields a high power-to-weight ratio for a vehicle its size, enabling a top road speed tested at 88 km/h and excellent acceleration. The vehicle can keep pace on highways and has a cruising range of ~600 km on internal fuel.
  • All-Terrain Tracks: Patria’s vehicle runs on composite rubber tracks (developed by Soucy) instead of traditional steel tracks. These next-generation tracks significantly reduce vibration and noise and improve ride comfort for the crew. Notably, the rubber tracks also save around 1 tonne of weight compared to steel links. contributing to the APC’s low ground pressure and mobility. (Rubber track technology has been proven on Norwegian CV90 IFVs in Afghanistan, enhancing their off-road performance and crew comfort)
  • Suspension System: Rather than conventional torsion bars, each road wheel has an independent hydropneumatic suspension unit. This “kneeling” suspension design allows adjustable damping on the fly, so the ride can be tuned to terrain conditions. The lack of torsion bars frees up internal space and helps achieve the high ground clearance and flat underbelly for better obstacle clearance. Patria’s engineers chose this setup to save weight and improve stability, after testing it over two years in various conditions.
  • Amphibious Capability: With minimal preparation, the vehicle is fully amphibious, propelled in water by its moving tracks. It can swim at up to 4 km/h and handle water depths of at least 2 m. This expands operational flexibility in riverine or coastal areas. The central engine and balanced design help it float level and “boat” through water or snow.
  • Modularity & Armament: The base platform is an APC configuration, but Patria is designing it as a modular family of vehicles. The roof can mount different weapon stations; at Eurosatory 2024 the prototype was shown with a Kongsberg Protector RS6 remote turret armed with a 30 mm cannon (and coaxial 7.62 mm MG). For production, various turrets or remote weapon stations up to medium calibre can be integrated, as well as anti-tank missiles or drones, depending on mission. Patria indicates the chassis could also be adapted into variants such as a mortar carrier, command post (with raised roof), ambulance, or even an unmanned robotic vehicle in the future. The vehicle has a generous 3.5 t payload capacity to support such configurations.
  • Protection: In standard trim it meets STANAG 4569 Level K1, protection against rifle-calibre AP bullets, and M1, protection against anti-personnel mines, consistent with a light armoured carrier. The hull is steel, and add-on armour kits (likely composites or ceramics) can be fitted to increase ballistic protection to higher levels as needed. For crew survivability, the vehicle’s low profile and mobility are also forms of protection – it is harder to spot and can avoid threats by traversing difficult terrain. Patria is also incorporating advanced situational awareness suites, including 360° vision systems and modern C4I integration, to help crews detect threats and coordinate on the battlefield.

TRACKX vs. the Other

Patria’s new all-terrain APC enters a crowded armoured vehicle market, but it occupies a distinct capability gap. Most Western nations modernizing their tracked combat vehicles have turned to heavily armed IFVs like the CV90 (by BAE Systems Hägglunds) or Lynx KF41 (by Rheinmetall) – vehicles that weigh on the order of 30 to 45 tonnes and mount 30–50 mm autocannons. By contrast, Patria’s 15-ton design is less than half the weight of these IFVs. For example, Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF41 has a combat weight around 44 tonnes, with 6 t payload, and even the latest CV90 MkIV can exceed 35 t with full armour. Those larger IFVs prioritize maximum protection and firepower for high-intensity combat, but they sacrifice some mobility (many are not amphibious) and come with a high cost per unit. They also typically carry fewer dismounts (e.g. 6–8 troops in Lynx or CV90).

Lighter and More Mobile

Patria’s TRACKX is positioned differently – as a lighter, more mobile troop carrier that can go places heavy IFVs cannot, while still offering modern battlefield capabilities. It is meant to supplement, not replace, the heavier fighting vehicles. Defence analysts note that many armies face scenarios where a “light tank” is overkill, but a capable APC is needed: rapid deployments, operations in marshy or mountainous regions, peacekeeping, etc. In such cases, a nimble 15-ton tracked carrier that can be fielded in greater numbers or quickly airlifted is very attractive. Breaking Defense reports that Patria explicitly touts the new vehicle as an ideal replacement for legacy APCs like the ubiquitous M113 and Soviet MT-LB, as well as for older articulated snow vehicles in Western fleets. Both M113 and MT-LB date back to the 1960s, were produced in the tens of thousands, and remain in many inventories – but they lag in protection, ergonomics, and networking. Patria’s offering promises a quantum leap in capability for units that currently rely on those aging workhorses, providing higher protection and speed while remaining affordable and simple to maintain

The TRACKX is not designed to go toe-to-toe with main battle tanks or IFVs in direct combat – its role is to move infantry and support units reliably across any terrain, under armour, and in coordination with heavier forces. In high-threat environments it would likely operate with add-on armour or under the overwatch of tanks/IFVs, whereas in lower-threat or rear-area roles it can leverage its mobility to excel. This concept aligns with many European defence needs: for instance, Baltic and Nordic countries value vehicles that can handle snow, forests, and wetlands, while other nations need to rapidly equip brigades with modern APCs at scale. Patria’s vehicle, being a product of an EU collaboration, also carries the appeal of interoperability and local production. The consortium has stated that if a customer country requires, the vehicles can be assembled locally – Patria has experience in technology transfer, as seen with its 6×6 vehicle program.

BAE Systems and Rheinmetall Comparisons

It’s natural to compare Patria’s TRACKX with offerings from BAE Systems and Rheinmetall, two of the biggest players in European tracked vehicles:

  • BAE Systems (CV90 and BvS10): BAE’s CV90 infantry fighting vehicle is battle-proven and in service with multiple European armies (including Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands and others). However, the CV90 is a much heavier vehicle (25–35 t baseline, up to ~40 t with upgrades) and typically configured with a large turret. Newer CV90 variants have incorporated some of the innovations seen in Patria’s design – for instance, Norway’s CV9030 fleet has experimented with rubber band tracks to improve mobility and reduce weight. But fundamentally, CV90 is intended to fight alongside tanks in frontline combat, whereas the Patria TRACKX prioritizes strategic and tactical mobility over armour. In fact, one could see Patria’s vehicle as complementing heavy IFVs: it can carry troops or serve in secondary roles in conditions where CV90s might be bogged down or too logistically burdensome. On the other end of BAE’s portfolio, the BvS10 Beowulf (originally developed by Hägglunds in Sweden) is an articulated twin-cabin oversnow vehicle that excels in Arctic conditions. Patria’s design is positioned between these extremes – offering far more protection and capacity than a BvS10 (which is essentially unarmoured in its transport version), yet far more mobility and lower cost than a CV90. According to Army Recognition, Patria’s approach of a single-hull, tracked ATV is seen as a “modern, cost-effective alternative” to traditional articulated vehicles like BvS10, rather than a direct competitor to big IFVs. Both BAE and Patria recognize the need for mobility in snow and swamp; BAE’s solution has been articulated steering, while Patria’s is a robust tracked sled with wide tracks – different philosophies for similar problems.
  • Rheinmetall (Lynx KF41): The German defence giant Rheinmetall has recently been successful with its Lynx KF41 IFV, which Hungary and others are procuring. The Lynx, however, is in a distinct weight class – at 40–50 tonnes combat weight, with modular armour and a 30-35 mm cannon, it’s one of the most heavily armed IFVs in the world. It is also not amphibious and is optimized for protection and firepower against peer threats. In essence, Lynx targets the same mission as CV90 or the American Bradley – frontline mechanized warfare – whereas Patria’s TRACKX targets the APC role akin to a modernized M113. One interesting point is that Rheinmetall (along with other firms) did not previously offer a modern light tracked APC; Western Europe has had a gap in this segment. Patria’s success could potentially prompt competitors to consider similar light armoured carriers if demand materializes. For now, Patria can claim a first-mover advantage in this capability gap. Even Rheinmetall’s historical light tracks like the Wiesel air-portable vehicle (2–3 t) or its unmanned platforms are very different in scope. Patria’s vehicle can haul a full squad and heavy equipment through rough terrain, which sets it apart from any current Rheinmetall product. In an era where quantity and dispersed operations are again crucial (lessons from Ukraine’s battlefields), a platform that is simpler and cheaper than a Lynx – yet far more capable than an unprotected truck – holds strong appeal. Patria officials note that large-scale war in Europe has increased demand for “cost-effective, purpose-optimized” systems that armies can buy in greater numbers without breaking budgets. This aligns with the TRACKX’s design philosophy.

Outlook: From Prototype to Production

After its public debut at DSEI 2025, the Patria TRACKX is on track for further testing and refinement. Two prototype vehicles have been built so far: the first used for mobility trials, including a March 2025 arctic field test in Finland’s Rovajärvi proving ground, and a second prototype to be fitted with a Kongsberg 30 mm remote turret for live-fire trials. Trials with the Finnish Defence Forces in Lapland are scheduled for the upcoming winter, a process that will validate the vehicle’s performance in snow, extreme cold, and deep mud. Minor design tweaks are expected as feedback is gathered, but program managers express confidence that major changes won’t be needed thanks to extensive testing under the EU-funded development phase.

Patria is set to begin series production in 2027, with the remaining development under the FAMOUS 2 implementation phase already aligned to that timeline. By that time, the geopolitical landscape in Europe may drive strong demand for such vehicles. Finland’s recent accession to NATO and the Nordic defence partnership (Patria is half-owned by the Finnish government and half by Norway’s Kongsberg) could mean the TRACKX sees service not only in Finland but also potentially with other NATO allies looking to bolster their cold-weather and all-terrain capabilities. A defence source told Breaking Defense that Finland would “likely become the launch customer” for the new vehicle, given its involvement from the start. Other countries in Northern and Eastern Europe – for example, the Baltic states, Poland, or Norway – might also consider joining any procurement to replace their remaining MT-LBs or augment their mechanized units with lighter, more agile carriers.

Beyond Europe, the concept could attract interest in regions with challenging geographies such as parts of Asia, mountainous or jungle terrain, or anywhere armies need an APC that can go where roads don’t. The design’s inherent flexibility, modular variants and ease of maintenance, s further broadens its appeal. Patria has stated that if needed, final assembly of the vehicle can occur in the customer’s country with technology transfer, as was done for its other vehicle programs. This could be a selling point for smaller countries seeking to develop their defence industry.

Workhorse Troop Carrier

Patria’s new tracked APC represents a significant innovation in armoured mobility. It marries modern technology – digital vetronics, sophisticated suspension, composite materials – with a return to the virtues of lightweight, go-anywhere armour that characterized vehicles like the M113 in the past. Analysts see it as complementary to the big gun IFVs and tanks: a “workhorse” troop carrier that can keep up with fast mechanized offensives or conduct independent operations in terrain that stops heavier vehicles. Time will tell how militaries integrate this capability, but the TRACKX’s debut underscores a broader trend: a recognition that mobility and versatility are as crucial as raw firepower in tomorrow’s battlefields. Patria has staked a claim in this emerging category, and if its uniqueness holds true, the TRACKX could very well carve out a market as Europe’s go-to next-generation APC for harsh conditions.

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