UAE army tests Patria AMV 8x8 armored with Russian BMP-3 IFV turret in Yemen


The United Arab Emirates (UAE) army is testing a new variant of the Finnish-made Patria AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) combat vehicle, which is fitted with the combat module of the Russian-originated BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), during its intervention to Yemen, an Arab military source told TASS.


UAE army tests Patria AMV 8x8 armored with Russian BMP 3 IFV turret in Yemen 925 001
Finnish Patria AMV 8x8 armored fitted with Russian BMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle turret  at IDEX 2007 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (Picture source Army Recognition)


"The UAE military is actively testing the Patria AMV with the BMP-3 turret in combat environment in Yemen. The combination of the Finnish-originated chassis and the Russian-originated combat module is very effective. The BMP-3 stands out among other IFVs in terms of firepower, owing to its powerful armament suite, which comprises a 100 mm gun-launcher and a 30 mm coaxial automatic cannon," the source said.

The AMV combat vehicle has been developed by Finland`s Patria company. The variant fitted with the BMP-3 turret features an increased length. The Patria AMV fitted with BMP-3 turret was unveiled for the first time during IDEX, Abu Dhabi Defense Exhibition in February 2007. 

In February 2016, Finnish Defense Company Patria Group has announced an export license to sell an unspecified number of 8x8 Patria AMV armored vehicles to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Patria AMV has been used in Afghanistan, Chad and is also participating in ongoing Saudi-led operations in Yemen.

In December 2017, Army Recognition has released information about the use of Patria AMV 8x8 armored vehicles by the UAE armed forces during an offensive against Houthis in Western coast of Yemen.

The Patria AMV used by the UAE armed forces in the combat operations in the Yemen Western coast was fitted with a remotely operated weapon station armed with 12.7mm heavy machine gun. To increase the protection of the vehicle, slat armour is added on each side of the hull offering more protection against RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenades) threats.


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