The Government of the Slovak Republic has announced Patria to be the winner of the tender for the BOV 8×8 programme. Patria will supply Slovakia with armoured wheeled vehicles as well as contributes to the creation of new jobs in the regions with currently high unemployment rates. The government decision was based on bids submitted at the end of 2021, as well as vehicle and weapon system tests carried out in February 2022. Patria’s offer was the best match to the requirements. Through the BOV 8×8 programme, Patria will also contribute to the development of the Slovak engineering and defence industry with top-notch experience and innovations. By involving Slovak industries locally in the programme, Patria will create new jobs, either directly in the partner companies or with their suppliers or subcontractors. BOV 8×8 programme will also influence regions’ educational opportunities and economy.
“Patria is known for its successful technology transfer programmes and is fully focused on the security of supply and long-term cooperation with Slovakia. The Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic will get state-of-the-art, modular, high-performance and robust armoured combat Patria AMVXP 8×8 vehicles, which have been used successfully, already decades in different versions in several EU and NATO missions by many customers from NATO and non-NATO countries”, states Hugo Vanbockryck, Senior Vice President for Market Area Europe in Patria.
The Patria AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) is an 8×8 multi-role military vehicle produced by the Finnish defence 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. Designs exist for different APC vehicles (armoured personnel carrier) and IFV versions (infantry fighting vehicle), communications versions, ambulances and different fire support versions, armed with large-calibre 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 in rough terrain, enabled by the sophisticated but rugged hydropneumatic suspension adjusting each wheel individually.
Patria is an international provider of defence, security and aviation life cycle support services, pilot training and technology solutions. Patria provides its aerospace and military customers with equipment availability, continuous performance development as well as selected intelligence, surveillance and management system products and services. Patria’s mission is to give its customers confidence in all conditions, and the vision is to be the #1 partner for critical operations on land, sea and air. Patria has several locations including Finland, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Estonia, Latvia and Spain. Patria employs 3,000 professionals. Patria is owned by the State of Finland (50.1%) and Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (49.9%). Patria owns 50% of Nammo, and together these three companies form a leading Nordic defence partnership.