Japan Steel Works will begin assembling Patria AMV XP 8×8 armored vehicles in Japan from September, following their selection in 2022 to replace the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s aging Type-96 personnel carriers.
A licensing agreement for local production was signed between Japan Steel Works and Finnish defense firm Patria in July 2023.
Since then, preparations have ramped up for the vehicle’s production phase.
To support the launch, a team of 15 to 20 personnel from Japan Steel Works recently spent five months in Hämeenlinna, Finland, to learn about Patria’s vehicle manufacturing.
The first vehicle of the agreement will be assembled by the team in Finland.
“Assembly facilities in Japan are currently being finalized to start operations in the fall,” Patria’s Technology Transfer Manager Janne Pulkkinen said.
“Experts specializing in assembly, electrical installations, and final verification will provide on-site support during production startup.”
Local Subcontractor Network
Meanwhile, Japan Steel Works will begin building a local subcontractor network for the project as local components are used in the vehicles.
To build the network, Patria will provide its expertise to the Japanese firm.
“Our intention is to find Japanese companies as subcontractors who can, if necessary, also supply products to Patria’s other global supply chains,” Patria’s Key Customer Director Markus Louhivuori said.
Agreements have been made to develop vehicle lifecycle services between the two firms, such as modifications and capability enhancements.
“The lifespan of vehicles is long, and changes in the operating environment occur. The customer may need modifications to the vehicles at some point during their lifecycle, which is currently unknown. We are ready for modifications when needed,” Louhivuori added.
Moreover, discussions to expand the collaboration to include Patria NEMO mortar systems and special vehicles based on Patria’s 8×8 vehicle platform, including remotely controlled vehicles, have taken place between the firms.
