Patria presents Finland's first 8x8 155mm self-propelled howitzer named ARVE for modern artillery operations.

As reported by Corporal Frisk on March 20, 2025, Patria introduced the ARVE, Finland's first wheeled 155mm self-propelled howitzer, during its Arctic Event held in Rovaniemi, Finland, from March 17 to 19. This development is part of the company’s broader efforts to enhance Finland’s artillery capabilities. The ARVE prototype integrates the 155K98 155mm howitzer onto a SISU E13TP 8x8 truck chassis, aiming to improve mobility and survivability in operational environments. The event also featured another prototype and provided an overview of Patria’s defense systems, with a focus on sub-arctic operational conditions.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Patria's new ARVE 8x8 self-propelled howitzer is based on the Finnish 155 K 98 towed howitzer, which has been in service since 1998. (Picture source: Twitter/Corporal Frisk)

As previously reported by Army Recognition, the ARVE is based on the Finnish 155 K 98 towed howitzer, which has been in service since 1998. This artillery system features a 52-caliber barrel and can fire conventional high-explosive fragmentation shells up to 40 kilometers. It is equipped with a semi-automatic wedge breech mechanism and can achieve a firing rate of 6 to 10 rounds per minute, including a rapid burst capability of three rounds in 12 seconds. The 155K98 includes an auxiliary motor, similar to the British FH-70 howitzer, allowing for short-distance independent movement at speeds of up to 15 km/h. This capability has been relevant in recent conflicts, where artillery mobility is crucial for avoiding counterfire and drone detection.

Patria has stated that it retains the capability to restart production of the 155K98, originally developed in 1997 and manufactured until 2005 in Finland and under license in Egypt at Abu Zaabal Engineering Industries. The company has continued to maintain its artillery manufacturing expertise, supplying spare parts and implementing upgrades, including barrel improvements and structural modifications. Patria has performed regular ultrasonic inspections of the barrels to determine their remaining service life and maintain operational readiness.

The concept of mounting the 155K98 on a wheeled platform was first presented by Patria to Finland’s Defense Committee in 2015 as an alternative to acquiring new artillery systems. Finland initially procured the South Korean K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, but the importance of a domestically produced system has gained renewed consideration following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Finnish Ministry of Defense has revisited the idea of developing a national artillery platform to ensure logistical independence and facilitate rapid deployment. Patria had previously developed a self-propelled artillery system in 2005, designated the 155GH52-SP-T55, which combined the 155K98 with a T-55 tank chassis for potential export to Egypt.

The ARVE prototype integrates the 155K98 onto the SISU E13TP 8x8 truck, a vehicle in service with the Finnish military since 2008. This truck features an armored cabin with mine protection, accommodates two crew members, and is powered by a 445hp Caterpillar C13 engine coupled with a six-speed Allison 4500 automatic transmission. It has a maximum speed of 90 km/h, an operational range of 900 km, and can carry a payload of up to 20,000 kg. The truck is utilized for multiple military applications, including radar and missile system transport, making it a suitable platform for the ARVE self-propelled howitzer.

The ARVE maintains the firing capabilities of the towed 155K98 but provides increased mobility and reduced setup time. At a firing position, the weapon is lowered to match the height of the towed version, allowing operation without additional training for crews accustomed to the 155K98. The system is manually operated for both gun laying and reloading. The ARVE can fire its first round within 90 seconds of arriving at a position and leave within 45 seconds after the final shot. The truck-mounted system carries 24 complete rounds.

Patria has scheduled test firings of the ARVE prototype for the summer. The company anticipates potential orders from the Finnish Defence Forces for conversions of existing 155K98 howitzers. While the current version retains manual operation, Patria has indicated that future variants could include electrical gun laying if requested. The company has also stated that it is open to integrating other artillery systems onto the truck platform, though the market for such systems is limited due to the decreasing number of towed 155mm howitzers in service in Europe.

In addition to domestic applications, Patria is assessing export opportunities for the ARVE. The company has stated that it can resume full-scale artillery production if required, including manufacturing new 155mm barrels. While the last 155GH52 APU was produced in 2005, Patria has continued to maintain expertise through maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities, including the manufacture and supply of spare barrels.

The ARVE provides an alternative to fully automated and armored self-propelled howitzers. Given ongoing efforts in European defense planning to expand artillery forces, the ARVE could be considered by armed forces looking to increase artillery numbers without investing in heavier, more complex systems. The system’s mobility, compatibility with existing platforms, and cost considerations may contribute to its adoption for both national and international requirements.