Bulgaria selects Patria AMV XP for its armored vehicle acquisition program.

According to a press release published on October 5, 2020, the 8x8 armored combat vehicle, AMV XP manufactured by the Finnish company Patria has been selected for the second phase of the Bulgarian vehicle acquisition program based on a tender phase. The final decision on the actual acquisition will be made after field tests and negotiations. Also, General Dynamics has proceeded to the second phase.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Patria AMV XP 8x8 armored vehicle at DSEI defense exhibition, September 2013. (Picture source Army Recognition)

Bulgaria has launched a defense program to acquire 150 armored vehicles to continue the modernization of its armed forces. The Program is aimed at continuing and further developing the process of a strategic rethink of the defense policy and the build-up of the defense capabilities that were initiated by the White Paper on Defense and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria adopted by the National Assembly in 2010.

'This is very good news as it is a sign of the high quality of Patria's vehicles and level of expertise, as well as customers’ confidence in them. If Bulgaria chooses Patria AMV XP as its future combat vehicle, we are ready for technology transfer and vehicle manufacturing in Bulgaria,” says Jussi Järvinen, President of Patria’s Land Business Unit.

Patria AMV XP is a modular, powerful and robust armored wheeled vehicle representing the top of its class, with a premium level of protection and mobility on terrain and roads. Patria AMV XP is also available with amphibious capability for amphibious and landing operations. The capabilities of the platform allow the integration of any weapon system. With effective and continuous product development and lifecycle support, the fleet is always up to date.

The Patria AMV XP was unveiled in September 2013 during DSEI, an International Defense Exhibition that was held in London, UK. The layout of Patria AMV XP 8x8 armored vehicle concept is very similar to the Patria AMV, with the power pack at the front, driver front left, weapon station in the middle on top hull and troop's compartment at the rear. The vehicle has a modular vehicle architecture allowing easy adaptation to various roles and providing built-in growth potential for future customer requirements. The vehicle uses a modular ballistic, mine and IED-protection system which can be adapted according to customers’ requirements. The vehicle is ready to be used with future protection technologies as well as future soldier equipment.

The Patria AMV XP is fitted with the highest level modular ballistic protection and potential for state-of-the-art active defense systems. The vehicle also offers protection against IED (Improvised Explosive Devices), NBC (Nuclear, Bacteriological, and Chemical), ballistic threats of up to level K5+. The mine protection of the vehicle can reach the level 4a/4b STANAG 4569. The optimized shape, low radar, and thermal signature of the vehicle enable superior stealth features.

The AMV XP chassis characteristics enable the use of different types of weapon systems needed for engaging targets rapidly and with pinpoint accuracy. It can integrate medium-caliber weapon systems, direct fire cannon systems up to 120 mm, Patria Nemo 120 mm turreted mortar system, and anti-tank or anti-aircraft missile systems. The high payload of the vehicle with large internal volume enables carrying all weapon systems, ammunition, and the crew equipment according to your mission needs.