Patria, Kongsberg team in contract bid

Two Scandinavian defense companies have partnered to jointly obtain a vehicle and weapon systems contract in the Middle East.

Under the teaming accord, Patria of Finland will offer the customer its 8x8 armored vehicle with the Nemo 120mm turreted mortar system, while Kongsberg of Norway would supply products and systems for remotely controlled weapon systems, command and control, weapons guidance, communications and missiles.

"Together with Kongsberg we are a strong competitor with outstanding performance, skills and solutions, enabling us to offer the state of the art systems for next generation soldiers", said Mika Kari, president of Patria's Land business unit.

"This is a strategic partnership -- combining each company's unique strengths and expertise as well as our best practices means we can build even better solutions to future markets", said Espen Henriksen, president of Kongsberg Protech Systems.

Patria's multi-variant AMV 8x8 is a modular designed armored vehicle that can carry as many as a dozen soldiers plus crew. It is equipped with the Nemo twin mortar system in a turret or a 105mm gun. It has a land speed of as much as 60 miles per hour and an operational range of 530 miles.

Patria provided no details on the value of the contract it is pursuing with Kongsberg or the customer who will grant it.