Minister Naď receives mandate from Slovak Government to enter into G2G agreement for wheeled armoured fighting vehicles with Finnish Government

The Slovak Armed Forces are a step closer to achieving a new historical milestone in the delivery of the SVK Army's 8x8 Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) Programme. A wheeled Patria-type platform belongs to the key Mechanised Infantry capability operated by NATO Armies. Slovakia is among the last NATO and EU countries to miss out on such combat vehicles.

Today (30 March 2022), the Slovak Government has agreed to the SVK Ministry of Defence's proposal to procure 76 pieces of 8x8 wheeled armoured fighting vehicles through a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement with the Finnish Government, with the Total Agreement Price of €447m (VAT inclusive), including logistics, munitions and infrastructure. It has done so because Finland's offer of the Patria 8x8 Armoured Modular Vehicle with Extra Payload, Performance and Protection (AMVXP) configuration, incorporating the Turra 30 Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) and a 30mm cannon, came out as the best fit for the role's requirements in the evaluation of bids.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “This is about the most advantageous comprehensive offer which is fully consistent with the technical and operational requirements of the Slovak Armed Forces and which is fully compatible with NATO systems. The new vehicles are to replace the infantry fighting vehicles that are nearing the end of their service life, not to mention their reduced operability rates at a time when the demands placed on the Slovak Armed Forces’ readiness are increasing.“ He went on to say that, as a core platform, the new Patria 8x8 AMVXPs will see service with the SVK Army's Heavy Mechanised Brigade, which is being stood up under Slovakia's Allied commitments. Under ideal conditions, the first delivery of Patrias is expected as early as next year.

The drafting of the MOD's proposal was preceded by the tender evaluation process conducted by a 60-strong MOD project team. Specialists from the SVK Ministry of Economy joined the tender evaluation panel to evaluate the level of Slovak defence industry content in the project.

Each bidder's submission was assessed on its merits against the scoring criteria in several assessment areas. Out of 100% of the total score, the Total Agreement Price represented 35%, the technical specifications 30%, logistics support across all stages of the vehicle's life cycle 10%, and the SVK defence industry's role in the programme 25%. In evaluating the bids, particular emphasis was placed on the requirements of the Slovak Armed Forces, the economic aspects of the bids, and the provision of supplies in the event of crisis. Trials of the Patria 8x8 AMVXP were undertaken at the Military Technical and Testing Institute Záhorie as part of a series of technical evaluations.

All the steps to implement the 8x8 AFV Programme are covered from the MOD budget. The 8x8 AFV Programme is linked to other modernisation programmes, both in the short and long term. With the SVK Government's approval of the proposal, the MOD will start drafting the G2G agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the winning bidder – the Government of the Republic of Finland, while leading negotiations to finalise the terms and conditions required for the conclusion and implementation of the Agreement.

The SVK Ministry of Defence's proposal for the SVK Army's 8x8 Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) Programme has secured the SVK Security Council's formal approval following interdepartmental consultations. It has also been reviewed carefully by the Value of Money Unit (VMU) of the SVK Ministry of Finance.