Japanese Army Selects Finnish Patria AMV XP 8x8 as New Armored Vehicle.

The Japanese army (Japan Ground Self-Defense Force JGSDF) has chosen the Patria AMV XP 8x8, developed by the Finnish defense company Patria Group, to replace the aging Type 96 8x8 armored personnel carrier currently in service.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Patria AMX XP 8x8 armored vehicle spotted during the trial test in Japan.  (Picture source: X Account TheDeathDistrict)

Patria Japan Ltd, strategically located next to the bustling Tokyo Station, serves as the company's operational hub in the Japanese defense market. This milestone marks Patria's initial success in establishing a permanent presence in Japan. The selection of the Patria AMV XP 8x8 by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) signifies a major achievement.

Tomoko Nishigami, Project Engineer at Patria, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "Our primary goal is the successful completion of the AMV XP project. Although the JGSDF mainly procures domestic products, we aim to introduce more Patria products into their arsenal in the future."

The new vehicles will be manufactured under license by Japan Steel Works, a company with extensive experience in defense equipment production. Nishigami highlighted that preparations for the start of production in Japan are progressing as planned.

The exact number of vehicles to be produced has not been disclosed. However, the decision to opt for Patria's vehicle over a domestic competitor has generated significant interest in the Japanese defense sector. Kazunori Yoneshima, Sales Manager for Patria in Japan, pointed out that this procurement opens up long-term partnership opportunities.

"Japan is set to increase its defense budget substantially over the next five years, and the country's conservative defense market is evolving. The selection of a Finnish vehicle over a domestic one exemplifies this change," Yoneshima noted.

The Patria AMV XP's success in the tender competition, where it competed against a well-known domestic manufacturer, underscores its superior performance in meeting the stringent criteria and tests set by the JGSDF.

The Patria AMV XP (Armored Modular Vehicle, Extra Protection) is an advanced version of the Patria AMV, developed in the early 2010s. Building on the experience from earlier versions, it was officially unveiled in 2013 and quickly adopted by various armed forces, entering service shortly thereafter.

This vehicle boasts a modular armor system, allowing its protection levels to be adapted based on mission requirements. It provides all-around ballistic protection up to STANAG 4569 Level 4, with potential upgrades to higher levels. Designed to withstand mine blasts and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the AMV XP ensures crew safety in high-threat environments.

Powered by a high-performance diesel engine, typically offering around 450 to 600 horsepower depending on the configuration, the AMV XP delivers excellent power-to-weight ratio and mobility. Its advanced independent suspension system enhances off-road mobility and provides a smooth ride over rough terrain. Certain variants are amphibious, enabling them to traverse water obstacles without preparation. The vehicle typically has an operational range of around 800 kilometers on a full tank, making it suitable for extended missions.

In terms of armament, the Patria AMV XP can be equipped with various weapon systems, including remote-controlled weapon stations (RCWS) with heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, or medium-caliber cannons up to 30mm. It can also be fitted with secondary armament options such as smoke grenade launchers for self-defense and concealment.

The AMV XP incorporates advanced electronics, including state-of-the-art communication systems, battlefield management systems, and sensor suites. It is designed with crew comfort in mind, featuring ergonomic seating, climate control, and reduced noise and vibration levels. A key feature of the AMV XP is its modularity, allowing for customization based on specific operational needs.