Slovakia and Finland with Patria have signed a comprehensive government-to-government (G2G) agreement to purchase 76 armored combat vehicles (ACV) from Patria with three vehicle variants. Within Slovakia’s BOV 8×8 programme Patria will contribute to the development of the local engineering and defence industry with transferring high-end armored modular vehicle technical experience and innovations. Geographically, the industrial cooperation covers Slovakia widely. In March 2022 the Slovakian Ministry of Defence selected Finland and Patria AMVxp 8×8 as BOV 8×8 programme tender winner. Patria AMVxp 8×8 came out on top after system tests and feasibility study evaluation. In the end of March, the Slovakian government announced approval for the Slovakian Ministry of Defence to start contract negotiations with Finland and Patria.

“Patria is proud to provide the most modern spearhead combat vehicle solution for Slovakian Land Forces. We’ve had intensive and productive negotiations with Slovakian Ministry of Defence and Slovakian industry. Together with Konštrukta Defence, EVPU and CSM, as well as with other local companies, we have created a long-term solution that provides Slovakia sustainable security of supply. Additionally, this agreement provides Slovakia the possibility to continue stable acquisition of vehicle variants and related support of full lifecycle services under the same contract”, states Jukka Holkeri, Executive Vice President for Global Division in Patria.

The Patria AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) is an 8×8 multi-role military vehicle produced by the Finnish defence industry company Patria. In 2013 Patria launched a new upgraded version of AMV. In June 2014 Patria announced the name of its next generation 8×8 armoured vehicles, Patria AMVxp, which stands for Extra Payload, Extra Performance and Extra Protection. 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.

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, the Netherlands 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.