Sweden Receives Long-Awaited Armored Terrain Vehicle from Collaboration with Finland and Latvia
In an exciting development for the Swedish Armed Forces, the highly anticipated six-wheeled armored terrain vehicle has finally been handed over. Johan Lampinen, the manager at FMV responsible for armored all-terrain vehicles, expressed pride in the delivery in a press release.
The collaboration between Sweden, Finland, and Latvia has led to the creation of this cost-effective vehicle, which will be designated Pansarterrängbil 300 (Patgb300) in the Swedish military. The process, from order to delivery, has been remarkably quick, with the contract being signed just this April.
Finland graciously allowed Sweden to take the lead in the delivery queue, further strengthening the close collaboration between the countries. Håkan Larsson, the project manager at FMV, emphasizes the importance of good relations and transparency in overcoming challenges throughout the project.
The Swedish military has ordered approximately 350 of these vehicles to be delivered over the next ten years. These new additions will complement the existing 203 and 360 armored all-terrain vehicles already in use by the defense.
The Patgb300A, manufactured by Patria in Finland, boasts impressive specifications. With six-wheel all-wheel drive and weighing 24 tons, the vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, adjustable air pressure in the tires, automatic fire extinguishing systems, a winch, and a camera system for day and night driving. It can accommodate two crew members, one gunner, and nine soldiers in the troop compartment.
The pre-series vehicles are currently armed with a ring magazine for the machine gun m/58 or heavy machine gun m/88. However, the following deliveries will feature an overlaid weapon station as armament.
This news comes from the Defense Materiel Works, confirming the successful completion of the long-awaited armored terrain vehicle. The collaboration between Sweden, Finland, and Latvia has produced an impressive and efficient vehicle that will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Swedish Armed Forces.