Finland to purchase 13 Sisu GTP 4x4 multi-purpose armored vehicles.

On December 27, 2023, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen approved the Finnish Defense Forces' request to procure 13 Sisu GTP 4x4 off-road vehicles, for an estimated cost of approximately €9.7 million, excluding value-added tax. This acquisition comes after the Finnish Defense Forces previously procured a total of 31 Sisu GTP 4x4 vehicles between 2020 and 2022.
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Built on a Mercedes Unimog chassis, the Sisu GTP 4x4 features a highly modular design, offering both general-purpose and armored personnel carrier (APC) configurations. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The decision to acquire these vehicles is based on a strategy to bolster the mobility of ground forces and enhance military security of supply by investing in domestically manufactured vehicles, according to Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen.

The 13 Sisu GTP vehicles will not only improve Finland's military capabilities but also signify a deeper collaboration between Finland and Sweden in the realm of defense. The groundwork for this expanded partnership was laid earlier in the year when a cooperation agreement for vehicle system procurements was signed by Major General Jari Mikkonen of the Finnish Defence Forces' Logistics Department and Brigadier General Jonas Lotsne, Director of the Land Systems Department of the Swedish Defence Agency, on May 5, 2023, in Tampere.

This agreement spans a wide array of mobile systems, including tactical off-road vehicles, armored vehicles, lightweight vehicles, snowmobiles, howitzers, battle tanks, and more. Its scope also encompasses the development of shared training and maintenance systems with the overarching goal of improving security of supply and reducing costs for both Finland and Sweden. The initial focus of this agreement centers on negotiating a framework for the acquisition of tactical off-road vehicles and related technologies from a single supplier.

Beyond its implications for defense capabilities, the acquisition of the Sisu GTP vehicles is expected to have a significant impact on domestic employment, potentially offering job opportunities and contributing to the local economy over an extended period of 28 years.

Introduced in 2019, the Sisu GTP is a Finnish-designed and manufactured 4x4 armored vehicle produced by Oy Sisu Auto Ab. One of the key features of the Sisu GTP is its highly modular design, which allows for a wide range of operational configurations while maintaining a consistent core structure. This is exemplified in its ability to be equipped with a general-purpose body accommodating either 2+2 or 2+3 crew members or an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) body capable of carrying 2+8 crew members. These configurations can be interchanged, even in field conditions.

The Sisu GTP 4x4 places a strong emphasis on crew protection, with a Stanag 4569 ballistic protection base and options to enhance resistance against various threats. Its modular structure allows for the integration of additional add-on kits or replacement components, such as EFP/RPG add-on kits and CBRN protection options, further increasing the vehicle's protection capabilities. These design elements draw from extensive experience gained from previous armored vehicle deliveries designed to withstand the most challenging operational conditions.

Underneath, the Sisu GTP is based on a Mercedes Unimog chassis and is powered by a 6-cylinder, 4-stroke Diesel engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination enables the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, with a maximum cruising range of 700 km. A ground clearance of 400 mm allows it to navigate obstacles effectively, and a fording depth capability of up to 850 mm ensures adaptability to various terrains. With a capacity to carry payloads of up to 5,000 kg and a gross weight of 14,000 kg, the Sisu GTP features approach and departure angles of 45°, while its stability tilt of 37° makes it suitable for handling steep gradients of up to 60%. Additionally, the vehicle offers an optional Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) for adjusting tire pressure based on terrain conditions.