The JGSDF will receive the Patria AMV XP as a replacement for its Type 96 8×8 vehicles. (Patria)
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s (JGSDF) selection of the AMV XP 8×8 armoured vehicle in 2022, and a subsequent contract in 2023, has given Finnish firm Patria its first major footprint in the Asian region.
Janne Rakkolainen, Senior Vice President, Market Area World Global Division at Patria, told Asian Military Review at DSEI Japan 2025, held from 21-23 May, that Japan-based production would commence on schedule in September.
Patria has partnered with Japan Steel Works for licensed production of the AMV, although Rakkolainen declined to say where the company will produce these new vehicles in Japan. However, Patria stated that “assembly facilities in Japan are currently being finalised to start operations in the fall”.
Japan Steel Works had around 20 staff training in Hämeenlinna, Finland for five months, as the first batch of vehicles for the JGSDF was constructed. In fact, the Japanese team assembled a complete vehicle under Patria’s guidance.
Subsequently, the Japanese facility will start AMV XP assembly using parts and subassemblies supplied from Finland. Rakkolainen said Japan Steel Works will gradually amp up local content on the AMVs, as its network of domestic suppliers grows.
This approach lowers risk for Japan, since Patria can continue to supply any requisite parts if there any issues with local production for any reason. Furthermore, this provides Japanese companies the opportunity to join Patria’s global supply chain.
The AMVs, now adopted by nine customers worldwide, will replace Komatsu-built Type 96 8×8 armoured personnel carriers (APC) in the JGSDF. Japan turned to foreign suppliers for this competition after Komatsu pulled out of defence contracts in 2019.
Rakkolainen would not be drawn on how many vehicles would be built for Japan, but the company stated earlier this month, “Patria’s delivery involves several hundred vehicles over the coming years.” Japan’s defence budgets from FY2023-25 have funded 82 vehicles thus far.
Patria’s representative predicted that the JGSDF would adopt other variants of the AMV XP in the future, in addition to the primary APC version that has a machine gun on a ring mount. Another option, according to Patria, is autonomous driving functions for the AMV, turning it into an unmanned vehicle.
At DSEI Japan 2025, Patria was promoting its NEMO 120mm mortar, including having a containerised version on display, as well as other products like its MUSCL passive radar.
by Gordon Arthur
AloJapan.com