A bid to secure a contract to provide Australia with combat reconnaissance vehicles is to be jointly pursued by BAE Systems Australia and Patria of Finland.

Under a teaming agreement, BAE Systems would be the prime contractor for the anticipated Land 400 Phase 2 Defense program, with Patria supplying its 8x8 armored modular vehicle.

"Patria AMV combines high payload capacity and excellent mobility with the latest technology," said Markku Bollmann, senior vice president of Patria's Land business unit. "The versatility of the modular design enables it to be tailored and continually developed to meet the needs of modern defense forces around the world.

"Patria AMV is a highly capable vehicle with strong sales track-record and in use by seven different nations in wide range of environments. The vehicle is combat-proven in the real mission environment."

BAE Systems said the two companies will evolve their planned vehicle offering to Australian requirements before providing additional information about it.

"We make a strong team," said Graeme Bent, BAE Systems Australia's Acting Director -- Land & Integrated Systems. "Patria has a proven track record of technology transfer to user nations, and BAE Systems has a long and proud history of building and supporting both tracked and wheeled military vehicles, here and overseas."