Finland orders more patrol vehicles

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PARIS, June 14 (UPI) -- Finland's military has ordered more than two dozen RG32M mine-hardened armored patrol vehicles from BAE Systems.

"The RG32M, as part of the battle-proven RG range of vehicles, provides a great balance between protection and mobility," said Johan Steyn, managing director, BAE Systems' Land Systems South Africa.

"Finland's follow-on order demonstrates their confidence in BAE Systems' solutions to help protect the men and women in uniform."

Finland had ordered 26 of the vehicles in 2010 and 23 in 2011. The new order is for 25 vehicles and is valued at $15.7 million.

Delivery of the vehicles will occur from next April through July.

The RG32M is an all-purpose, mine-hardened 4x4 armored vehicle used for convoy support, infantry patrol and reconnaissance missions. It carries a crew of up to seven soldiers and is easily transported in C-130 aircraft.

The RG32M comes in a number of variants. In addition to those used by Finland, 200 of the RG32M vehicles are operated by Sweden's military, while Ireland has 27 light tactical versions in service.

The contract from Finland was announced at the Eurosatory exhibition in France.