Patria awards substantial support for research and education in aeronautical engineering

Patria and Tampere University of Technology (TUT) have signed a collaboration agreement in the field of aeronautical engineering. Patria has pledged significant financial support to TUT over a ten-year period. The purpose of the collaboration is to ensure the continuous availability of high-quality aeronautical engineering expertise in Finland and to support and strengthen research in the field.

The reasons for pursuing the collaboration are manifold. “Patria is among the leading companies in aviation industry in Finland and abroad. For some time now, we have been worried about the state of aeronautics education in Finland. In terms of future needs, the 30-credit module currently available at Tampere University of Technology that introduces students to aeronautical engineering is not enough. We need world-class experts in aeronautical engineering,” says President Martti Wallin from Patria’s Aviation business unit.

A considerable number of MSc-level aeronautical engineers are due to retire in Finland over the next 5-10 years. “Current aircraft systems are complex and their mastery requires in-depth, multidisciplinary expertise. In addition, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Defence Agency (EDA) have imposed more stringent requirements on the design, maintenance and manufacture of aircrafts," continues Wallin.

“We are sincerely grateful for Patria’s generous support. The funding enables our University to set up a professorship in aeronautical engineering and increase our educational and research activities in this field,” says Pauli Kuosmanen, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences.

Tampere University of Technology has a commitment to permanently strengthen education and research in aeronautical engineering. According to Kuosmanen, TUT has evolved into a strong hub of expertise, among others, in mechanical and production engineering, materials science and signal processing. Next year TUT becomes the first university in Finland where students can major in aeronautical engineering.

Inquiries:

Patria: Martti Wallin, Pesident, Aviation, phone +358 40 869 2016, [email protected]

Tampere University of Technology: Pauli Kuosmanen, Dean, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, phone +358 50 304 5934, [email protected]

Patria is an international provider of defence, security and aviation life cycle support services and technology solutions. Patria provides its aerospace and military customers with equipment availability, continuous performance development as well as selected intelligence, surveillance and management system products and services. Patria’s mission is to give its customers confidence in all conditions, and the vision is to be the #1 partner for critical operations. Patria has several locations including Finland, Sweden, Norway and Estonia. Net sales totaled EUR 467.7 million in 2017, and Patria employs 2,800 professionals. Patria is owned by the State of Finland (50.1%) and Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (49.9%). Patria owns 50% of Norwegian Nammo, and together these three companies form a leading Nordic defence partnership.