UAE orders Patria armored vehicles

HELSINKI, Finland, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Finland's Patria defense company has announced a contract from the United Arab Emirates for its AMV 8x8 armored vehicles.

The vehicles will be manufactured in Poland by Patria's Polish partner.

"This is a magnificent extension for the ongoing, successful cooperation between the UAE Armed Forces and Patria," said Mika Kari, president of Patria's Land business unit. " UAE Armed Forces have been very satisfied with their existing AMV vehicles as they meet all the customer's needs and are suitable for the needed, challenging circumstances.

"These vehicles will be produced by our Polish partner in a very tight time schedule. The agreement done now is very significant for Patria, and we are excited about this and looking forward to providing the vehicles."

Patria said all details of the contract -- including price and quantity -- from the General Headquarters of the United Arab Emirates' Armed Forces are classified.

The Patria AMV is of modular design, enabling the use of different weapon systems, sensors and communications systems. It has an operational range of as much as 530 miles and a land speed of about 60 miles per hour.