Finnish defense contractors Sisu Auto and Valmet Automotive have formalized a collaboration aimed at bolstering military vehicle production as part of Helsinki’s strategic defense initiatives. This teaming agreement will leverage Valmet’s Uusikaupunki factory, a site renowned for its production of luxury and sports automobiles, along with associated components.
Historically, the Uusikaupunki plant has catered to a prestigious roster of clients, including automotive giants such as Fisker, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Porsche, and Saab. With this new focus, the facility will pivot towards the assembly of Sisu’s GT family of defense vehicles, which prominently features the GTP 4×4 tactical system and the GTT all-terrain vehicle.
The GTP serves as a mine-resistant ambush-protected armored personnel carrier adept at navigating challenging terrains. In contrast, the GTT is a versatile platform that can be configured for various military applications, including transport, command and control, artillery support, and medical evacuation.
The expansion of production is expected to have a profound effect on the local economy, with projections indicating that the increased capacity for up to 300 vehicles annually could generate over 300 new jobs. Pasi Rannus, CEO of Valmet Automotive, emphasized the company’s expertise in industrial serial manufacturing and its ability to swiftly scale production while maintaining high quality. He noted that this collaboration exemplifies the successful implementation of their strategic expansion into new industries.
This agreement follows a recent partnership between Valmet and another Finnish defense contractor, Patria, which aims to produce the Protected Mobility vehicle series at the same Uusikaupunki facility, with development set to commence in 2026. This series of collaborations underscores the growing role of Finnish manufacturers in the defense sector and highlights a strategic shift towards enhancing national and regional security capabilities.
