The first Mk1 armored car from the Finnish company SCATA
SCATA Mk1 armoured vehicle in protected transport configuration with fire support capability
Until recently, only two companies in Finland were developing and producing armored vehicles. Last year, a third, the startup SCATA, was founded. This company has now developed its first armored combat vehicle design, is preparing to build a prototype, and is planning its testing. An official presentation of the new armored vehicle is promised at a European exhibition in a few months.
Third company
It's worth noting that the main Finnish manufacturers of armored vehicles are Patria and Sisu. They produce several wheeled platforms, which are used to build a range of combat and support vehicles. This equipment is purchased by the Finnish and other military forces.
In 2025, a new company, SCATA, was founded in Pietarsaari (also known by its Swedish name, Jakobstad). The name stands for Sophisticated Combat Automotive and Technical Assembly and fully conveys the organization's goals and objectives.
The founders and management of the new company previously owned a bus manufacturer. It was decided to apply their experience in wheeled vehicles to the creation of military vehicles. European armies are currently planning rearmament, and SCATA wants to join these processes—and secure lucrative orders.
The company reportedly plans to develop and manufacture various types of military equipment. Primary production will take place at its plant in Pietarsaari. Various contractors and component suppliers will be involved in the production of the equipment. Finnish companies will be given priority. In the future, the sale of licenses for assembly abroad is not ruled out.
It is planned to establish production lines capable of quickly launching operations and assembling ordered machines as quickly as possible. Furthermore, a certain amount of equipment will be stored in a warehouse, which will ensure almost immediate shipment if necessary.
The first project
On March 17, 2026, SCATA announced its first project. Since its founding, the company has been developing a promising multipurpose armored vehicle for the past few months. This project received the simple and logical designation Mk1.
By now, the main design work has been completed. Construction of a prototype has likely already begun, and it will begin testing in the foreseeable future. Due to the lack of a prototype, the official announcement included only promotional computer graphics.
The launch date for the SCATA Mk1 prototype armored vehicle is already known. The vehicle is scheduled to be unveiled at the French military-technical exhibition Eurosatory 2026, scheduled for mid-June. The overall nature of the project makes this timeframe realistic.
Wheeled vehicles
The SCATA Mk1 is a two-axle wheeled armored vehicle designed for personnel transport. It is capable of protecting the crew and troops from fire and providing fire support. In terms of its overall architecture and capabilities, this vehicle is fundamentally no different from many similar modern models.
SCATA developed the majority of the components for the future Mk1 in-house. The powertrain and chassis utilize off-the-shelf components from the Celeris platform, developed by the French company Texelis. This platform and its components have become the basis for a number of modern armored vehicles and have generally demonstrated excellent performance.
The Mk1 features a welded, bonneted armored hull. The crew and troops are accommodated in a single crew compartment. The hull is specified as having Level 2 ballistic and mine protection according to STANAG 4569. This means the vehicle can protect crew members from 7,62mm machine gun fire and the detonation of up to 6 kg of TNT under a wheel or underbody. Additional armor can be installed, providing Level 3 protection.
The overall length of the vehicle is 6,6 m and the width is 2,4 m. The roof height, excluding modules and add-ons, does not exceed 2,5 m. The wheelbase is 3,9 m. The armored vehicle's kerb weight, depending on the configuration, is between 13 and 13,5 tons. The payload is 4,5 tons.
Under the hood is a Cummins ISL8.9 diesel engine producing 375 hp. It is mated to an Allison 3200SP automatic transmission with six forward and one reverse speed. The transmission provides all-wheel drive. A hybrid propulsion system capable of improving key performance is reportedly in development.
The chassis is based on Texelis Celeris units. It features independent suspension on all wheels with hydropneumatic shock absorbers. The 14.00R20 tires are self-inflating and have run-flat inserts. The top speed is stated at 110 km/h. The cruising range is 750 km.
Armored vehicle carrying MANPADS
The crew compartment accommodates up to 10 crew and troops. Four are arranged in two rows, facing forward. The remaining seats are located in the rear, along the sides. The seats have an energy-absorbing design. Access to the cabin is provided by two pairs of side doors and one aft door.
Future modifications
The promising SCATA Mk1 armored vehicle is envisioned as a multi-purpose platform capable of carrying a variety of payloads. Several applications for this use have already been proposed, and the development of new ones is not ruled out.
The simplest option is a protected personnel carrier. In this case, the armored vehicle retains all the space inside the hull. A remotely controlled weapon station with a machine gun or small-caliber cannon is proposed for mounting on the roof. The permissible weight of the remotely controlled weapon station is up to 500 kg, providing a fairly wide range of options.
The Mk1 can also serve as the basis for a self-propelled air defense system. In this configuration, the armored vehicle will receive the Saab M-SHORAD combat module. It can carry four missiles RBS-70NG or other similar weapon, as well as optical equipment. Cannon-machine gun-equipped remote-controlled combat vehicles (RCBMs) can also be used to combat UAVs.
The possibility of constructing an ambulance is being explored. In this case, the aft portion of the crew compartment would be used to accommodate stretchers, a medic, etc. Modifications to the existing hull to increase capacity are also possible.
Unclear prospects
The SCATA Mk1 advanced armored vehicle project has already completed its early stages, and a prototype is expected to be unveiled in a few months. This vehicle is expected to attract the attention of visitors to the upcoming exhibition. However, its future success is uncertain. There is no guarantee that the armored vehicle will attract buyers.
The Mk1 is interesting primarily because of its origins. A third company has emerged in Finland, ready to develop and manufacture armored vehicles. Whether SCATA will be able to compete with the existing Sisu and Patria remains unclear. Furthermore, it's possible the new company will focus on other niches and areas to avoid clashing with larger Finnish organizations.
In terms of technology, the SCATA Mk1 is a fairly standard modern wheeled armored vehicle. The vehicle is built using proven solutions and readily available components. It lacks any interesting innovations. The proposed use as a platform for various types of vehicles is also nothing new.
Thus, in its current form, the new Finnish armored vehicle offers no significant differences from other modern vehicles and, apparently, lacks any competitive advantages. It is unlikely to demonstrate significant commercial success or capture a significant market share.
However, the Mk1 project and story SCATA's performance reveals a curious trend. In the current situation, various enthusiasts and organizations, even those unrelated to the industry, are showing interest in the development and production of military equipment. They are creating their own startups and attempting to enter the market. However, for obvious reasons, not all such endeavors will be successful.
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