As part of a recent event held in the Lapland region, Patria has unveiled the new 8×8 ARVE 155mm mobile coastal artillery system to equip the Finnish Navy. This system consists of a 155GH52 howitzer manufactured by the company, mounted on a Sisu E13TP 8×8 all-terrain truck. With this development, Helsinki would have a new alternative to replace its aging 130mm coastal batteries in order to meet NATO’s new standards. These batteries were previously equipped with M-46 systems before being retired from service in the mid-2000s.
Providing further details about the new product, Patria stated that its new 155mm cannon is capable of striking targets up to 40 kilometers away using standard ammunition, with a firing rate of up to eight rounds per minute at full capacity. The system would be manually operated by Finnish personnel, both for firing and reloading, with up to 24 cartridges stored in external boxes. Additionally, it was revealed that the 8×8 ARVE system could fire its first shot just 90 seconds after stopping at the designated position, while it would only take 45 seconds to begin moving again.
Continuing with mobility as one of its key advantages, Patria’s new system is equipped with an engine capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h, thanks to its more than 500 horsepower, which allows it to overcome slopes of up to 30 degrees and cross flooded areas with up to one meter of water. Moreover, the system features a fuel tank with a capacity of up to 400 liters, giving the battery a range of approximately 600 kilometers.
Furthermore, Patria announced that a significant series of upgrades is being developed for the original design. These include an improved fire control system, a new servo-controlled reticle, and the integration of an automatic or semi-automatic loading system to address what appears to be one of its main weaknesses. In the coming days, the company will proceed with further industrial testing, including live-fire and mobility trials.
It is important to note, however, that this is a product that has not yet been ordered by any client but was developed to meet potential future demands. As Jukka Holkeri, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Global Division, stated: “This concept has existed for quite some time. We never advertised it, but it was there—both the truck and the weapon were there.” Additionally, for the company, this represents the first time in over 20 years that it has introduced a new type of weaponry, with sufficient facilities to produce the 8×8 ARVE without requiring significant state investments.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
You may also like: Patria prepares to complete the construction of the new engine center in Nokia to support Finland’s future F-35A fighter jets
