In a move that reshapes Slovenia’s approach to military modernization, the government has decided to postpone the purchase of approximately 100 AMV XP vehicles from Finnish company Patria. This decision adds a new chapter to the country’s ongoing armored vehicle procurement story.
The delay follows a letter of intent signed with Finland in February, but the current administration will not approve the acquisition before the next parliamentary elections, slated for March 2026.
In the previous year, Slovenia opted for the AMV XP after the former government scrapped a 2022 contract for 45 Boxer vehicles from OCCAR, a multinational military-procurement body. The Finnish vehicles were intended to enhance the capabilities of Slovenia’s medium battalion battle group and medium combat reconnaissance battalion.
Local media have speculated on various reasons for the delay, citing anonymous government sources. Key factors include the need for improved force protection, such as anti-drone capabilities, and integrating domestic industry into turret production.
Some analysts suggest the real reason might be the financial magnitude of the purchase, projected to be Slovenia’s largest military procurement at an estimated €695 million ($811 million), which could be contentious among voters.
Matej Tonin, who previously served as Slovenia’s defense minister and is now a member of the European Parliament, criticized the postponement. He pointed out that under the canceled Boxer deal, the army would have already received 35 of the 45 vehicles.
“Instead, we have lost three to four years, and every year acquisitions of military equipment become more and more expensive,” Tonin stated. “The demand has grown dramatically over the past three years, and this has been combined with a high level of inflation. My advice to the government would be: don’t start everything from scratch, continue what was already initiated, and check what is needed by the Slovenian military.”
A Ministry of Defense spokesperson assured that the Patria project is still active. “Due to changes in military conflicts and combat doctrine on modern battlefields, which also require the use of drones and anti-drone protection for effective operation, the Ministry of Defence has decided to upgrade the 8×8 vehicles with modern modular capabilities,” they said. “This will take some time, but it is well worth it due to the increased usability of the vehicles.”
