HELSINKI, Finland, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Finnish defense manufacturer Patria reports it will overhaul and modernize XA-180 armored personnel carriers of the Finnish Defense Forces.
The XA-180, known as the Pasi, is a six-wheel vehicle specifically designed for the country's military and has been in service since 1984. Estonia ordered the vehicle in 2005.
"Since the oldest of these vehicles dates back to the early 1980s, the total life-span of this successful Patria product is extremely long," said Seppo Seppala, president of Patria Land Systems and Patria Land Services. "As the original manufacturer of these vehicles, Patria has extensive in-depth know-how of armored wheeled vehicles. This enables us to produce a high quality-solution for the Defense Forces, in order to extend the life-span of the Pasi series.
"This is an extremely significant domestic defense project, a vital step for Patria in the development of the service business and a good reference for similar international projects in which we intend to be actively involved in the near future."
The contract involves the overhaul next year of a pre-series vehicle and a series of 70 vehicles in 2015-17. There is also an option to modernize 210 vehicles by the end of 2021.
The modifications will include new seats, electrical systems with instrument panels and new exterior surface coatings. Engines, power transmissions and axles will be inspected and repaired, or replaced if necessary, Patria said.
