Patria's vehicle production will soon start in Japan

Patria's international vehicle deliveries include local production and related technology transfer to the destination country. Japan is no exception, where the Patria AMV XP 8x8 has been chosen as the new armored wheeled vehicle for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

The vehicles ordered by Japan will be manufactured under a license agreement by the machinery company Japan Steel Works. According to Patria's Technology Transfer Manager Janne Pulkkinen, the process in Japan will start with vehicle assembly using parts and subassemblies imported from Finland.
– Production will expand in Japan as our partner's capabilities grow, Pulkkinen says.

A harmonious collaboration was quickly found

The core team of 16–20 people from Japan Steel Works spent five months in Hämeenlinna, learning about Patria's vehicle manufacturing. Patria's training language is English, but the Japanese team also had competent interpreters, according to Pulkkinen.
– The Japanese team is characterized by enthusiasm and cheerfulness. They are genuinely interested in learning vehicle manufacturing, Janne Pulkkinen notes.

A team from Japan Steel Works trained in Hämeenlinna, bonded with Patria's team, and assembled a vehicle now ready for delivery to Japan.

– During the training, Patria's and Japan Steel Works' people bonded into one team, which was the goal. The most important thing is to get the group to work together and build mutual trust.

During the training period, the Japanese team assembled one vehicle under the guidance of Patria's experts and fitters. The vehicle has undergone final verification and test drives.
After equipment installation, it is ready for delivery to Japan, Janne Pulkkinen says.

Assembly in Japan begins in September

Preparations for production are also progressing as planned in Japan. Japan Steel Works is scheduled to start vehicle assembly in September.
– Assembly facilities in Japan are currently being finalized to start operations in the fall.

Patria's experts will be closely involved in supporting technical matters during the preparation phase and production startup. Patria's technology transfer specialists have extensive experience in their areas of expertise.
– Experts specializing in assembly, electrical installations, and final verification will provide on-site support during production startup, Pulkkinen mentions.

Building a subcontractor network in Japan

Patria's AMV XP vehicles will replace the Type-96 8x8 vehicles currently used by Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force for personnel transport. Patria's delivery involves several hundred vehicles over the coming years.

Patria's Key Customer Director Markus Louhivuori is pleased with the progress of the project and the collaboration started with Japan Steel Works.
– I appreciate the Japanese business culture, which has a lot in common with ours in Finland. Things are honestly laid out on the table, and nothing is promised that cannot be kept, Louhivuori mentions.

Finland and Japan both value honesty and transparency in business, ensuring promises made are kept, fostering trust and collaboration, Markus Louhivuori says.

The collaboration is facilitated by the fact that both companies have long-term experience and strong expertise in defense equipment production.
– Our partner's staff is skilled and motivated. It is interesting to see how they apply our technology in practice in Japan and develop it further to suit the local operating environment, Louhivuori says.

In addition to starting vehicle assembly, Japan Steel Works will begin building a local subcontractor network. Under the license agreement, locally manufactured parts can be used in the vehicles, and Patria will support expertise in building networks.
– Our intention is to find Japanese companies as subcontractors who can, if necessary, also supply products to Patria's other global supply chains, Louhivuori says.

Patria is here to stay in Japan

According to Markus Louhivuori, discussions have been held with Japan Steel Works to expand collaboration to include Patria NEMO mortar systems and special vehicles based on Patria's 8x8 vehicle platform.

He emphasizes that Patria is committed to a long-term presence in Japan. For example, agreements have been made with Japan Steel Works for the companies to be involved in developing vehicle lifecycle services.
– The lifespan of vehicles is long, and changes in the operating environment occur. The customer may need modifications to the vehicles at some point during their lifecycle, which is currently unknown. We are ready for modifications when needed.

Discussions with the Japanese have included the role of remotely controlled vehicles in the future. Patria's vehicles are designed so that autonomous driving functions can be built into them later.

Patria is expanding its collaboration with Japan Steel Works to include Patria NEMO mortar systems, special vehicles, and lifecycle services.

Louhivuori notes that the vehicle project opens an excellent opportunity to establish other long-term partnerships in Japan. Besides vehicles, Japan has been interested in Patria's surveillance systems, such as passive radar devices.

Patria will participate in the DSEI exhibition in Tokyo from May 21–23, 2025, which is a major event in the defense sector in the Asia-Pacific region held every two years. Patria's booth will showcase a wide range of the company's products and services.