BAE, Patria Plan Joint Bid for Australia Combat Vehicle Program

BAE Systems and Helsinki-based Patria have agreed to lodge a joint bid for the Land 400 Phase 2 Defence program, Australia’s future combat vehicle project.

The anticipated Land 400 platform looks to upgrade the allied nation’s fleet of land armored vehicles to augment its national defense strategy, BAE said Monday.

Under their teaming agreement, BAE said it will act as prime contractor and Patria will supply an 8×8 armored modular vehicle fleet that is outfitted with the latest technology and designed both to carry large payloads and for maneuverability.

“Patria has a proven track record of technology transfer to user nations, and BAE Systems has a long and proud history of building and supporting both tracked and wheeled military vehicles, here and overseas,” said Graeme Bent, director for land and integrated systems at BAE Systems Australia.

“Continued local support will enable the [Australian Defence Force] to draw upon an established manufacturing base and our global network,” he added.