Patria Trackx: Light Tracked M113 Successor
Why a lighter tracked APC matters
European armies still field thousands of ageing M113s. However, many recent designs have grown heavier and pricier. The Patria Trackx light-tracking APC aims squarely at that gap. Patria unveiled it at DSEI London and targets serial production in 2027. Consequently, the force can modernise mobility without adopting a full-fat IFV.
Capacity, weight, and role
The Patria Trackx light tracked APC carries 12 soldiers: a driver, a commander, and ten dismounts. This configuration suits standard European infantry sections. The maximum combat weight is 15.5 tonnes, which places it in the light tracked bracket. Therefore, it bridges the space between ultralight carriers and heavier IFVs.
Protection you can scale
Baseline armour stops small-arm threats. Moreover, add-on kits provide protection against armour-piercing rifle rounds. The Patria Trackx light-tracking APC integrates rubber tracks to reduce noise, vibration, and road damage. A lower centre of gravity aids stability and safety in broken terrain.
Mobility tuned for harsh ground
Patria designed the undercarriage for soft ground and winter conditions. The Patria Trackx light-tracking APC uses adjustable hydropneumatic suspension on each road wheel. As a result, it maintains contact and traction in forests, bogs, and snow. Low ground pressure supports mobility where wheeled platforms bog down.
Market positioning: a true M113 replacement
The M113 remains ubiquitous, with 80,000+ units and 40 variants worldwide. Yet its basic architecture dates back 65 years. The Patria Trackx light tracked APC offers a modern, affordable successor in the 13–18-tonne class. According to Patria’s Jussi Järvinen, few competitors occupy this segment; most go either lighter or significantly heavier and costlier. Therefore, Trackx targets armies that need protected troop lifts without the weight and expense of an IFV.
Where Trackx fits
- Mechanical infantry transports are in contested rear areas.
- Trackx provides all-terrain resupply and casevac in soft ground scenarios.
- Adaptable mission roles, including command and ambulance.
- Rapid reinforcement where strategic mobility and cost matter.
From FAMOUS concept to production-ready platform
The Patria Trackx light-tracking APC is the first production-ready vehicle from the EU-funded FAMOUS program (future highly mobile augmented armoured systems). Finland leads the programme, and Patria coordinates industry partnerships. Notably, Fameus aims to deliver high-mobility armour optimised for European terrain and climate.
Budget and membership
The FAMOUS budget totals ~€132 million. About €9 million comes from the European Commission, while the European Defence Fund (EDF) contributes ~€95 million. Member nations and companies fund the remainder. Eight EU countries participate alongside Finland, including France, Germany, and Spain. Consequently, user communities helped shape requirements from the outset.
Industrial model and partners
Patria’s partners include Arquus (France), KNDS (France-Germany), and Indra (Spain). Importantly, the Patria Trackx light-tracking APC follows Patria’s local-production model. Patria has already executed this approach with CAVS, based on the Patria 6×6. Manufacturing occurs in Finland and Latvia, with Germany planned next. Therefore, future TrackX programs can embed national industries and shorten sustainability chains.
Testing, interest, and procurement path
Patria reports extensive testing on roads, forests, bogs, and snow. The Patria Trackx light-tracking APC has drawn considerable attention from potential buyers. Most interest currently comes from EU states, although enquiries also arrive from outside Europe. For M113 or MT-LB operators, Trackx provides a timely, off-the-shelf path to modernisation.
Why it resonates with buyers
- It balances protection, payload, and cost in a light envelope.
- It preserves tracked mobility for soft ground and winter.
- It supports scalable protection and mission kits.
- It aligns with EU frameworks and local-production goals.
Outlook to 2027
Patria targets serial production in 2027, subject to orders and final configuration work. The Patria Trackx light-tracking APC therefore offers a realistic, near-term replacement for legacy light-tracking fleets. If procurement proceeds, Europe could acquire a standardised, affordable, and deployable tracked carrier optimised for its climate and terrain.
References
- Patria (official): https://www.patria.fi/en
- European Defence Fund (official): https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-industry/european-defence-fund-edf_en
- DSEI (official): https://www.dsei.co.uk/
- Defense News (high-authority): https://www.defensenews.com/
