Austria orders Pandur 6x6 armored personnel carriers

Jan. 31 (UPI) -- General Dynamics European Land Systems is supplying the Austrian military with 34 Pandur 6x6 armored vehicles, the company said Tuesday.

The vehicles have an operational range of 430 miles, a speed of 62 miles per hour and carry eight passengers in addition to its two-person crew.

Austria currently operates 71 of the vehicles procured under a 1991 contract.

The value of the new contract for the latest version of the Pandur 6x6, signed last month by the company and the Austrian Ministry of Defense, was not disclosed.

"We are very proud to receive this contract from the Austrian Ministry of Defense because it illustrates the confidence and satisfaction of the Austrian Armed Forces," said Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, Vice President of General Dynamics European Land Systems. "Austria is a very important home market for General Dynamics European Land Systems and we value our long-lasting partnership with the Austrian customer."

In addition to a new power pack, the Pandur 6x6 vehicles to be supplied are better protected against landmines and will be equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station.

General Dynamics European Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.