Patria sends AMV XP for Japanese tests
8x8 vehicle will be evaluated as a contender in the Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier programme.
Finnish company Patria has despatched AMV XP 8x8 vehicles to Japan for tests under the next-generation Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier (WAPC) programme.
The vehicles will be handed over to the Japanese MoD on schedule, Patria announced on 16 December, and the company added that it ‘is ready to provide all necessary support’ in the upcoming tests for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force.
AMV XP (pictured) is just one contender in the WAPC project, alongside the the Mitsubishi Armored Vehicle (MAV) and General Dynamics Land Systems LAV 6.0.
Following the test phase, the MoD will evaluate all three vehicle types.
The JGSDF presently fields 389 Type 96 WAPCs, but Shephard Defence Insight notes that its off-road mobility, defensive and landmine protection capabilities are insufficient. The future WAPC will replace it as well as any remaining Type 73 APCs, so the required number could reach 700-1,000 vehicles.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Improved Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier [Japan]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces]()
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
-
![AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs]()
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
![AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality]()
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
