Patria armoured vehicles deal with Polish military taken to court yet again

Polish political party calls for examination of vehicles and investigation into basis of contract

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The Finnish State-held defence group Patria's armoured modular vehicle deal with the Polish military is facing more obstacles.
      In the run-up to Parliamentary elections, Poland's fourth largest political party, the Polish People's Party (PSL), has approached a local court to launch an investigation into the basis of the purchase decision of the AMVs from the Finnish manufacturer.
      The vehicles' technical capabilities and whether they comply with the Polish Army's safety requirements should also be looked into, PSL insists.
      Just over two years ago, Patria won the bidding contest organised by the Polish Ministry of Defence for supplying the Polish military with 690 armoured vehicles. The deal was the largest of its kind in Europe and worth over EUR one billion.
     
The first vehicles were delivered to the buyer earlier this year. The Polish defence forces are currently inspecting the next lot.
      PSL claims that "according to experts" the Finnish-made AMVs have "several defects". The first nine delivered vehicles are by and large specimen copies that are mainly in a state of rest, the party charges.
      "The purchase decision as well as the actions of those related to the deal has been one huge heap of mistakes. We want the army prosecutor to look into the framework of this damaging contract", PSL representatives have declared.
      Managing director Pauli Rumbin of Patria's Polish subsidiary considers PSL's accusations "a political game".
     
"The approaching Parliamentary election causes parties to seek support by any means necessary. Lately PSL's approval ratings have been going downhill and a high-profile court case might just turn the tide", Rumbin speculates.
      Elections in Poland may be held early, in June, but at least this coming autumn.
      "Already twice before objectors have brought an action against us. Both cases were dismissed as unfounded. Our legal team has assured us the same will happen again", Rumbin says.
      "Our AMVs do not have technical problems. The end user will naturally always have suggestions for alterations, which is only normal in this line of business."


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Patria: Polish media lying about Finnish-made armoured vehicle (21.8.2003)

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  Polish People´s Party

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