On July 24, 2024, President Peter Pellegrini visited the Ministry of Defense in Bratislava, underscoring the urgent need for substantial financial investments in Slovakia’s defense capabilities.
Accompanied by Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák and Chief of the General Staff Zmek, President Pellegrini inspected the first Slovak BOV 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) based on the Finnish Patria AMV XP.
The Slovak BOV 8×8, a wheeled infantry fighting vehicle, is equipped with a domestic Turra-30 turret and a GTS-30/N autocannon in 30x173mm. This vehicle represents a significant step forward in enhancing Slovakia’s military readiness and defense infrastructure.
In August 2022, Slovakia signed an intergovernmental agreement to purchase 76 Patria AMV XP vehicles, with the deal valued at €447 million. The agreement includes 60 vehicles in the IFV version, 10 in the medical version, and six in the command version. All vehicles are scheduled for delivery by 2027.
#Slovakia: First Slovak BOV 8×8 (Patria AMV XP 8×8) in the version of wheeled infantry fighting vehicle with domestic turret Turra-30 and domestic autocannon GTS-30/N in 30x173mm.
An intergovernmental agreement for the purchase of 76 #Patria AMV XP (60 in IFV version, 10 in… pic.twitter.com/3cqUuAara3
— (@praisethesteph) July 24, 2024
The Patria AMV XP is known for its advanced modular design, which allows for flexibility in configuration and adaptability to different mission requirements. The addition of the Turra-30 turret and the GTS-30/N autocannon enhances the vehicle’s combat effectiveness, providing robust firepower and superior maneuverability.