“Due to rising expenses in research and development (R&D) in the defense sector, the number of collaborative efforts among multiple countries is increasing. The war between Russia and Ukraine has also demonstrated the influence of drone technology on the battlefield. This is why we are developing the multitiered combat system (MUM-T) in collaboration with Korean corporations.”
Per-Jonas Trollsås, director of key accounts at Patria, met with Chosun Biz on the 12th in Business Finland in Jung-gu, Seoul, and said, “We are jointly developing a data transmission solution (software) for MUM-T with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).”
Patria is Finland's representative defense corporation. Established in 1921, it is celebrating its 103rd year this year. Patria is one of the few corporations in the world that handles land, sea, and air equipment. Unlike most defense corporations that focus on specific products like fighter jets or tanks, Patria encompasses all of these products.
Patria's main product is armored vehicles. The company's armored vehicles are designed in a modular fashion, allowing for easy maintenance while also being praised for their safety and mobility. They have also been acquired by Poland, Croatia, and Slovakia.
Trollsås noted, “While Patria has strengths in armored vehicle technology, Finland has traditionally been a stronghold in the information technology (IT) sector,” adding, “We also have excellent technical capabilities in communications equipment used in advanced combat systems.”
MUM-T is an operational concept where manned and unmanned combat aircraft operate simultaneously. It involves the pilot of a manned aircraft performing complex operations based on their experience and judgment, while unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) primarily enter dangerous or hard-to-reach areas to carry out missions.
Trollsås stated, “The most important element in MUM-T is the reliable data exchange between manned combat aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles,” adding, “The information collected by the UAVs is analyzed by the manned combat aircraft, helping the pilot perform their missions reliably based on the results.”
Patria has shown a willingness to collaborate not only with KAI but also with other defense corporations. Trollsås noted, “Recently, we met with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (ADD) to discuss topics related to fighter jets and warships,” and added, “We also have plans to meet with other defense corporations.”
Patria has been interested in unmanned combat systems and has been actively investing in them even before the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine. The NEMO, a semi-automatic mortar, is a prime example. NEMO was developed jointly by Patria and the Finnish military and has also been exported to Sweden. In a demonstration conducted by the U.S. military last September, it proved its outstanding performance and reliability.
Trollsås remarked, “Soldiers handling mortars are exposed to explosions and noise, and their mobility is reduced. By using unmanned systems, precise firing can be achieved while ensuring the safety of our troops.”
Trollsås noted, “Like Finland, which shares a border with Russia, Korea is also facing North Korea, making the geopolitical situations similar,” and added, “Both countries share a commitment to strengthening their defense industries.” He expressed hope that they would expand into broader markets with Korean defense corporations.
Patria anticipates being able to export systems developed in collaboration with Korean corporations abroad. Trollsås stated, “It will depend on the progress of the project, but our technology-equipped combat aircraft could attract attention in international markets,” adding, “There are various ways we can collaborate.”