Patria and Japan Steel Works Ltd. (JSW) signed on 31 August 2023 a license agreement on manufacturing for Patria AMV XP 8×8 vehicles in Japan. The Patria AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) is an 8×8 multi-role military vehicle produced by the Finnish defence industry company Patria. The agreement enables local production in accordance with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier (WAPC) programme. In December 2022 Patria AMV XP 8×8 vehicle was selected by the programme to replace Type-96 8×8 Armoured Personnel Carrier vehicles that are currently in use. Neither the number of new vehicles nor the value of the agreement are disclosed at this stage.
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 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.
“Patria is fully committed delivering Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s WAPC programme as agreed and we are extremely satisfied to have JSW as our manufacturing partner in Japan. Both companies have over a hundred years of experience in providing top-of-the-line quality products for customers with the most demanding needs. JSW is a top-quality manufacturer locally and Patria foresees that JSW is an excellent manufacturing partner and will execute projects fully up to Patria and global standards. Together we create a strong team to manufacture and deliver the latest generation armored vehicles in Japan for years to come,“ says Janne Räkköläinen, Senior Vice President of Market Area World at Patria.
Patria is an international provider of defence, security and aviation life cycle support services, technology solutions and pilot training. 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, the Netherlands, Estonia, Latvia and Spain. Patria employs over 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.
