Finnish Army Orders Additional RG32M Vehicles from BAE

BAE Land Systems South Africa has been awarded a contract for the delivery of 25 additional RG32M mine-hardened armoured patrol vehicles to the Finnish Defence Forces. The €12.5m ($15.7m) award for 25 RG32M vehicles marks the third order of this type by the Finnish Army, and brings the total acquisition of vehicles to 74.


The army's first 26 vehicles were acquired in 2010, followed by a second order for 23 RG32Ms in 2011. BAE Land Systems South Africa managing director Johan Steyn said that the RG32M, belonging to the combat proven RG range of vehicles, delivers a balance between protection and mobility.

"Finland's follow-on order demonstrates their confidence in BAE Systems solutions to help protect the men and women in uniform," Steyn added. Deliveries under the contract are scheduled to start in April 2013 and are expected to be complete by July 2013.


Developed from the RG-31 family of utility vehicles, the RG32M is a 4×4 armoured patrol vehicle, designed with integrated ballistic protection for convoy support, infantry patrol and reconnaissance missions.

Powered by a Euro III Steyr M16TCA turbo-charged inter-cooled diesel engine, the four-wheel drive vehicle features an armoured monocoque hull, which safeguards the crew against small arms fire, grenades, anti-personnel mines and land mine detonations.


The RG32M can be equipped with a remote controlled weapon station (RCWS), armed with 12.7mm calibre weapons; it and can also be configured for several military and non-military roles, including scouting, patrol, command, liaison and peacekeeping operations.

Apart from Finland, the vehicles are also in service with the Swedish Armed Forces, which posses 200 of them, while the Irish Defence Force operates a total of 27 RG32M light tactical vehicle variants.