Sweden, Norway team for truck procurements

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STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- The Swedish and Norwegian militaries are teaming to procure heavy wheeled vehicles at a lower cost through high-order combined volumes.

The project by Sweden's defense acquisition agency, FMV, and Norway's FLO, will result in a framework agreement with a truck manufacturer and cover 13 different vehicle variants.

"The Swedish armed forces are in great need of new heavy wheeled vehicles in several different vehicle variants," Sweden's Defense Forces said. "To meet this need, FMV will award a five-year framework purchase contract, with a possible extension of five plus two more years.

"In addition, a five-year maintenance contract will also be signed with the supplier, with an optional extension for five more years."

Military authorities in both countries have been harmonizing their requirements and procurement documentation for the joint Truck System project and invitations to participate in the tender for the vehicles was issued in mid-2011. Sample vehicles from four vendors were evaluated last year and contracts for the vehicles are expected to be signed this coming summer.

Sweden said the first order is expected to be for 350 vehicles, with deliveries beginning in 2015.