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Whether talking about mobile communications solutions or armored personnel carriers, Patria Group is a world class contender. The company was formed to bolster Finland's operations in the military industry and create a more competitive unit for the international market. In recent years, however, the company's civilian division has led its military side. The group's expertise includes aircraft and helicopter maintenance, military and special vehicles, weapons systems, electronics and telecommunications systems as well as airport snow-removal equipment. Established in 1995, the Patria Group is actively committed to the development of new technologies that provide quantifiable advantages to its customers. Until a few years ago, Patria was 100 percent state owned, but has since been privatized. Now 27 percent owned by the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company, Patria is undergoing many changes. While still producing artillery and military transport for the Finnish and other markets, it is also a major hi-tech company through its Patria Ailon division. Patria Ailon is a product development and software company that specializes in mobile telecommunications. Working in close cooperation with customers, the company develops GPRS/EDGE, 3G mobile technology, WLAN, and Bluetooth wireless solutions. With its history of developing everything from undersea sonar systems for submersible navigation to solutions for European Space Agency satellites, Patria Ailon is poised to be the ideal partner in wireless solutions. The Ailonet, a recent innovation from the company, brings wireless solutions into the residential market. Using the Ailonet gateway, consumers can now set up family bulletin boards, Internet home pages, or use a variety of Internet services that can be accessed from a computer or mobile phone. This will provide for the entry of wireless networking into homes or offices, and the potential to connect any appliance via Bluetooth provides a wealth of opportunities for the new product. The combination of wireless communications and data transfer is crucial to building the armies of the 21st century, and Patria Vehicles is rising to the challenge. The recently introduced Advanced Mortar System is a new breed of intelligent armed vehicle designed to maximize the impact and maneuverability of weapons systems on the battlegrounds of the future. Through contracts signed in 2000, the vehicles division has become one of the leading European manufacturers of armored wheeled vehicles used in peacekeeping operations. Along with a new modular philosophy designed to accommodate lean defense budgets, these new innovations are helping secure Patria's position as the leading Finnish defense company. "Together with new and existing business partners, we can actively develop and use emerging opportunities now present," explained Jorma Wiitakorpi, president and CEO of the Patria Group. "In the future we will have to focus our operations on Patria's core compentencies and strive to continuously improve efficiency."
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