The Finnish defence industry has long been one of the most developed in Europe, with a global reach. After Finland's accession to NATO in 2023, we can expect to see more and more military systems of Finnish origin. In the Czech Republic, there was a unique opportunity to see the Patria AMV wheeled combat vehicle in its 8x8 configuration, equipped with the Patria NEMO self-propelled mortar superstructure. This vehicle was presented by the Finnish company Patria, in collaboration with its Czech partner, STV GROUP, through both a static display and a live demonstration on a field polygon at the Land Forces Day Bahna 2024 event.

Patria AMV XP – A Combat Vehicle for the 21st Century

The Patria AMV (Armoured Modular Vehicle) is a modern wheeled armoured vehicle and one of the most widely used of its kind in the world. Developed by the Finnish company Patria, this modular vehicle provides a highly mobile, flexible, and efficient platform that can be adapted for different military roles and user needs. In recent years, the Patria AMV has seen several upgrades, and its latest version, the Patria AMV XP (eXtra Protection), offers even better performance and protection.

Development of the Patria AMV began in the late 1990s to replace older armoured vehicles that no longer met modern requirements for mobility, protection, and firepower. The first prototypes were tested around the turn of the century, with mass production starting in 2003. Thanks to its modular design, the Patria AMV, now in its latest XP version, can be customized for a variety of roles, including infantry transport, medical evacuation, command posts, and infantry fighting vehicles. The vehicle also serves as a platform for various weapon systems—from standard guns of different calibres to self-propelled mortars, air defense systems, and even a wheeled tank destroyer with a 120mm gun. These modifications have already been developed and integrated into NATO armies.

The Patria AMV quickly gained popularity due to its robustness (with a payload of 15 tonnes and a combat weight of 30 tonnes), modularity, and high level of crew protection. Patria prioritizes crew protection, offering modular ballistic and mine protection solutions that meet the highest NATO standards. The vehicle is capable of withstanding anti-tank mines, improvised explosive devices, and enemy cannon fire.

The Patria AMV XP is highly mobile even in challenging terrain. It can wade through water up to 1.5 meters deep without preparation, overcome vertical obstacles up to 70 cm high, and cross tank trenches over 2 meters wide. Despite its weight and robustness, the vehicle can reach speeds of over 100 km/h on roads or in less demanding terrain, powered by a 450 kW engine with automatic transmission. The vehicle is also seaworthy, which may appeal to certain users. It comes with integrated C4ISTAR sensors and systems as standard and is designed to accommodate future requirements for automation and digitalization, including artificial intelligence.

The Patria AMV has been introduced into many armies worldwide, including those of Finland, Poland, Slovenia, and Croatia. Patria's expertise was also utilized in a recent tender in Slovakia, which will be the next country to adopt the Patria AMV XP. The vehicle has been deployed in several foreign military operations in the Middle East and Africa and will also support Ukrainian forces in their defense against Russian aggression. Interest in the vehicle continues to grow, both regionally and globally, giving users an advantage in terms of interoperability during training and combat. A key strength of the system is its integrated logistics support, with a focus on the availability of local industrial capabilities.

NEMO Mortar System: Advanced Fire Support

The Patria NEMO (New Mortar) turret mortar was showcased at Land Forces Day 2024. This advanced mortar system is a crucial component of modern artillery. The autonomous turret system combines mobility, speed, and accuracy, offering a versatile solution for a wide range of military operations. The Patria NEMO has gained popularity for its ease of use, flexibility, and ability to deliver effective fire support in various combat scenarios, including while moving or in MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) mode. This mode allows for overwhelming an enemy position with multiple ammunition impacts within a single moment, with the first three shots fired within 15 seconds.

One of the key advantages of the NEMO system is its fully automated turret, featuring a 3-meter barrel that enables rapid aiming and firing. The 120mm mortar can hit targets up to 10 kilometers away, with a rate of fire of up to 10 rounds per minute. The mortar’s range depends mainly on the performance of the ammunition. The combination of a high rate of fire and quick repositioning allows units to react swiftly and effectively to changing battlefield conditions.

The modular design of the Patria NEMO system allows for integration onto various armoured vehicles, naval vessels, and other platforms at a weight of approximately 1.5 tonnes. It can be mounted on both tracked and wheeled platforms or integrated into a containerized solution for naval vessels.

The Patria NEMO system offers a high level of protection for its operators. The fully enclosed turret minimizes risk to the crew during combat operations. Additionally, advanced fire control systems ensure high accuracy while reducing the risk of collateral damage. The mortar system is automated, requiring operators only to load additional powder charges, which control the pressure and adjust the speed and range of the ammunition. The mortar uses standard 120mm NATO-calibre ammunition, which includes three-round burst options as well as special types for smoke or area illumination. A minor modification is needed for the ammunition, where a "stub case" is attached to the stabilizer to enable automatic loading. The firing capacity typically includes 50 rounds, depending on the platform.

A significant tactical advantage of the NEMO system is its ability to fire from a variety of positions, including while moving. With a firing angle range of -3 to +85 degrees, the system allows for both indirect and direct fire on targets. This flexibility has made the Patria NEMO a preferred choice for modern armies seeking to enhance their fire support capabilities.

Developing and Sustaining a Platform for the Future Battlefield

In light of the Ukrainian conflict, the sustainability of military platforms is a crucial consideration. The Patria AMV XP is designed as a modular platform capable of meeting future user requirements. This includes accommodating larger payloads, increasing firepower in response to evolving threats, and integrating new electronic systems and sensors requiring substantial power supplies. Finnish company Patria has extensive experience expanding its network of industrial partners, not only localizing production but also supporting the life cycle of systems such as the NEMO automatic mortar, including ammunition production.