In Japan, license production of the armored vehicle Patria AMV XP 8×8 by Japan Steel Works for the benefit of the Tokyo Army is very soon to get underway.
The Finnish-origin armored vehicle production is scheduled for next September, starting the assembly of AMV XP 8×8 using parts and subgroups imported from Finland.
Assembly plants in Japan are currently in the finalization process, with operations slated to start in the fall.
Patria experts will be actively involved in technical support during the preparation phase and the start of production. Patria’s technology transfer specialists boast vast experiences in their respective expertise sectors.
Patria’s AMV XP vehicles will replace the Type-96 8×8 vehicles currently used by the Japanese Army for personnel transport. The delivery of several hundred vehicles over the next few years to the Tokyo Ministry of Defence by Patria and partner Japan Steel Work is planned for this purpose.
The Agreement between Patria Group and Japan Steel Works
In addition to initiating the assembly of vehicles, Japan Steel Works will organize a network of local subcontractors.
According to the license agreement, locally produced components can be used in the vehicles and Patria will provide technical support in creating networks; it is possible that these Japanese subcontractors might be included in Patria Group’s global supply chain in the future.
Negotiations have been initiated by Patria with Japan Steel Works to broaden their partnership to include Patria NEMO remote control mortar systems and special vehicles based on Patria’s 8×8 platform.
Moreover, agreements have been signed by Patria with Japan Steel Works for the participation of both companies in the development of services for the entire lifecycle of vehicles designated for the Japanese Army.
Lastly, there have been discussions between the two companies regarding the future role of remote-control vehicles, as autonomous driving functions can be integrated into the AMV XPs on-board system.
Source and photo credit Patria Group
