Saab Australia is joining with BAE Systems and Finland's Patria in a bid to build and maintain an armored modular vehicle for the Australian military.

Saab joining the BAE Systems-Patria team means the partnership would exceed the 200 Australian advanced manufacturing jobs and supply chain value previously identified for the manufacturing phase of the vehicle program.

"With Land 400, BAE Systems seeks to strengthen Australia's advanced manufacturing capability and maximize Australian industry involvement within its supply chain," said Graeme Bent, BAE Systems Australia's director -- Land & Integrated Systems. "Our offer will replicate overseas success for manufacturing and sustaining the Patria Armored Modular Vehicle (AMV), in Australia. The vehicle has been successfully manufactured in countries outside of Finland and has a strong track record for technology transfer to user nations."

Under the memorandum of understanding between Saab and BAE Systems, Saab will provide key sub-systems and in-service support for the vehicle to be produced and will further develop Australian capability in the combat vehicle market.

"Saab is delighted to draw on its global expertise and experience to provide key sub-systems into the BAE Systems-Patria solution for Land 400." Said Dean Rosenfield, Saab Australia's managing director. "Saab already has a significant presence in Australia and this collaboration will enable us to further grow our business in the Land domain.

"Land 400 provides additional opportunities for local manufacture, assembly, integration and in-service support that will not only assist us to achieve these aspirations but will be vital in growing local industry capability to effectively deliver and support combat vehicles for the ADF (Australia Defense Force)."