Finnish defence company Patria has signed memoranda of understanding with three Czech state enterprises under the Ministry of Defence as it seeks to position its AMV XP 8×8 armoured vehicle for the Czech Armed Forces’ re-equipment programme, according to the company.
The MoUs were signed with the Military Technical Institute, VOP CZ and the Military Research Institute, and are intended to build a long-term partnership that, if the project proceeds, would ensure significant domestic industry participation, technology transfer and capability development within Czech state and private enterprises across production, maintenance and further vehicle development. Patria also has a long-standing partnership with Czech private manufacturer STV GROUP.
Panu Routila, Patria’s President and CEO, said the AMV XP 8×8 was the vehicle the company had developed longest and described it as “the state-of-the-art modular and robust armoured wheeled vehicle providing superior fire power, protection, and mobility,” adding that Patria was delighted to have new countries interested in the family.
Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Protected Mobility business area, said the MoUs underscored the company’s commitment to close cooperation with the Czech defence industry and to maximising its participation, saying “we see Czech companies as strong partners, including for the global supply chain” and that by combining Patria’s experience in technology transfer with Czech capabilities, the company could deliver “an efficient and sustainable solution that strengthens security of supply and meets the Czech Armed Forces’ requirements.”
Patria is offering the AMV XP 8×8 CZ variant, which the company says will meet Czech capability requirements and delivery timelines with a high level of localisation including in-country maintenance and lifecycle support. The AMV is in service with armed forces in multiple countries and Patria describes it as having extensive operational experience and proven interoperability. The company says it has a track record of successful technology transfers across three continents and seven countries.
More firepower than a River B1 ! 😊