Patria AMV platforms selected in South Africa

Released on Monday, May 21, 2007

The acquisition organisation of South African Ministry of Defence has today signed a contract with the local defence manufacturer Denel Land Systems, a division of Denel (Pty) Ltd for the new generation infantry combat vehicle programme. Patria has been selected to supply the vehicle platforms to Denel Land Systems, which also supplies the turrets for the vehicles.

The planned total scope of the programme covers the development, industrialisation and serial production of 264 wheeled infantry combat vehicles in 5 different versions. The contract covers the entire programme, but different phases of the programme will be ordered in phases. The first vehicles will be manufactured in Finland, after which the production will gradually be transferred to South Africa.

Patria has extensive co-operation agreements with South African companies. In addition to Denel, Patria works closely with Land Mobility Technologies (Pty) Ltd concerning vehicle and logistic engineering and BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa (Pty) Ltd concerning serial production and life cycle support of the vehicles. Patria will arrange extensive engagement of local working force, services and material purchases from local suppliers as well as other activities producing economic benefits for the local industry.

"We are extremely satisfied that the South African customer has selected Patria AMV as their vehicle platform. Patria AMV has outperformed in field tests fulfilling the toughest procurement requirements of modern defence forces. Patria will work in close co-operation with its South African partners to maximise the local content in the program. Our technology transfer program will bring considerable engineering, manufacturing and life cycle support capabilities to local industry working as suppliers of local components and services," states Mr Jorma Wiitakorpi, President and CEO of Patria.

Patria AMV is technologically the most advanced 8x8 armoured wheeled vehicle in the market at present. Patria has about 1200 AMV vehicles contracted or under final negotiations currently. AMV's serial production started in 2004. Patria AMV 8x8 offers an outstanding possibility to unify customer's vehicle fleet, since it is a part of a larger product family covering also 6x6, system carrier as well as heavy weapon platform versions.

Patria is a Defence and Aerospace Group with international operations delivering competitive solutions based on its own specialist know-how and partnerships. Patria is owned by the State of Finland and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V.