Finland boosts defense mobility with addition of Sisu GTP 4×4 off-road vehicle
As part of strengthening its defense mobility, Finland has ordered 13 additional Sisu GTP 4×4 off-road vehicles, adding to the 31 already procured for the Finnish Defense Forces (FDF). The recent contract, approved by Finland’s Minister of Defense Antti Häkkanen, is worth 9.7 million euros, or about 10.6 million US dollars.
Relationship between Sisu Auto and FDF
The first contract with Finnish car manufacturer Sisu Auto was signed in June 2020. The contract was for six of his GTP 4×4 vehicles to be used in trials with the aim of determining FDF’s mobility requirements. Sisu Auto supplied his three 5-seater General Purpose Vehicles (GPV) and three 10-seater GTP Armored Personnel Vehicles (APC) for the trials.
Both configurations share a common drivetrain and modular hull, making these vehicles highly adaptable to a variety of missions. These can be customized for patrol, squad, and command operations. In addition, the medevac version with an elongated body can accommodate up to 4 stretchers.
Production and delivery
Following the contract at the end of 2022, serial production has begun and 25 GTP APCs have begun deliveries to FDF. The news was confirmed by Sisu Auto’s Vice President of Military Vehicles, Jyri Ahonen. The order for 13 additional vehicles will be delivered as a continuation of the previous batch.
Regional impacts and defense spending
The procurement is aimed at not only increasing the Army’s mobility but also securing the military’s supply chain. It will have a significant employment effect in Western Uusimaa. Overall defense spending is projected to surge by 7% in the 2024-28 period, primarily due to the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.