Sweden Receives New GTP Troop Transport Vehicles from Finland

Sweden Receives New GTP Troop Transport Vehicles from Finland

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has received the first batch of GTP-type vehicles from Finnish manufacturer Sisu Oy. These vehicles, which will be designated as TGB24 in Sweden, are part of a broader procurement effort aimed at enhancing the mobility and protection of the Swedish Armed Forces.

The GTP vehicles come in two main variants: a troop transport version, also known as an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), which can accommodate up to ten soldiers, and a double-cab version with a flatbed and canopy, offering space for five people. These versatile vehicles are designed with a modular approach, allowing different configurations to meet various operational needs.

According to Henrik Sundberg, FMV’s project manager, the GTP vehicles are ballistically protected, four-wheel-drive machines weighing 16.5 tons. Their modular design is reminiscent of the SEP (Splinter-Protected Unit Platform) vehicle concept, allowing for quick adaptation by changing modules.

Starting this fall, FMV will begin delivering the TGB24 vehicles to the Swedish Armed Forces. Before that, verification processes are underway, and in November, FMV plans to conduct user and technician training, focusing on ground-based command support systems for Armed Forces personnel.

The acquisition of these vehicles is part of a joint framework agreement between Sweden and Finland. This collaboration is based on the principle of joint security of supply and the possibility of sharing manufacturing and operational capabilities. Micael Ågren Berner, head of the wheeled vehicles department at FMV, emphasized that this agreement has allowed both nations to reduce development costs and unit prices through combined orders.

Berner praised the swift and efficient cooperation between FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, and Sisu Oy, highlighting it as a successful example of Swedish-Finnish defense cooperation, known as FISE. This close collaboration enabled the rapid processing and delivery of the vehicles.

The Sisu GTP is an armored vehicle designed to withstand threats in hostile environments, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes, classifying it as an MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle. Manufactured in Finland by Sisu Auto in 2018, this vehicle combines robustness, mobility, and protection.

Weighing 16.5 tons, the Sisu GTP is imposing, measuring 6 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, and 2.55 meters in height. Its design allows for the transport of a two-person crew in its utility version, but it can also accommodate up to 10 people in its troop transport version. This vehicle is equipped with armor that meets STANAG 4569 Level 1 standards, protecting against light ballistic threats and shell fragments.

The GTP is powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM926 six-cylinder diesel engine, delivering 308 horsepower. This gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 22 horsepower per ton, allowing it to reach a top speed of 110 km/h on roads. Thanks to its independent suspension and lockable differentials, the vehicle is capable of traversing difficult terrains while maintaining stability. Its range exceeds 700 kilometers, making it a reliable vehicle for extended missions.

In addition to its land capabilities, the Sisu GTP can also operate in water at a maximum speed of 12 km/h, further enhancing its operational versatility. This vehicle represents a modern and adaptable solution for armed forces, offering a combination of protection, mobility, and power for operations in complex and dangerous environments.

In total, Sweden and Finland have ordered more than 260 GTP vehicles. The fleet will include various specialized variants, such as single-cab vehicles, anti-aircraft platforms, control vehicles, medical care units, and reconnaissance vehicles, all designed to meet the diverse needs of their respective Armed Forces.

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