Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has conducted field tests with the Finnish-made AMV XP 8×8 multi-role military vehicle designed and manufactured by the company Patria. Trafficnews.jp reported that these vehicles are part of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force’s project called the Next Wheeled Armored Vehicle operating under the Japanese Ministry of Defense. The vehicles will be handed over to the Japanese Ministry of Defense on schedule, and Patria is ready to provide all necessary support to the Japanese in the upcoming tests. It was reported on 16 December 2020 that two Patria AMV XP 8×8 vehicles are being sent to Japan from Finland for field tests.
Patria is confident that Patria AMVXP meets all customer requirements. With superior mobility and protection, as well as state-of-the-art modularity, performance, and reliability, Patria AMVXP is perfect for any operation in any environment. Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is in the process to replace its old Type 96 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle personnel carrier which is in service with the Japanese armed forces since 1996. The Patria AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) is an 8X8 multi-role military vehicle produced by the Finnish defense industry company Patria. Patria AMV 8×8 family has been contracted for 1.600 vehicles globally.
The Patria AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) is an 8×8 multi-role military vehicle produced by the Finnish defense industry company Patria. The main feature of the AMV is its modular design, which allows the incorporation of different turrets, weapons, sensors, or communications systems on the same carriage. In June 2014 Patria announced the name for its next-generation 8×8 armored vehicles, Patria AMVXP, which stands for Extra Payload, Extra Performance, and Extra Protection. Slovakia was the first country to receive this new variant of the AMV under a joint program with Finland to replace its Soviet-based BVP-1 and BVP-2 infantry fighting vehicles.
Designs exist for different APC vehicles (armored personnel carrier) and IFV versions (infantry fighting vehicle), communications versions, ambulances, and different fire support versions, armed with large-caliber mortar and gun systems. The vehicle has a very good level of mine protection and can withstand explosions of up to 10 kilograms (22 lb) TNT. The AMV has protection levels up to 30 mm APFSDS frontal arc. Another important feature is the very good mobility (combining speed, agility, and crew comfort) in rough terrain, enabled by the sophisticated but rugged hydropneumatic suspension adjusting each wheel individually.