Armored Cars: Sisu GTP 4×4

The first batch of Sisu GTPs for export were delivered in late 2019 to a “European private company.” The truck was altered with a new bonnet, a five-door cab, and woodland paint scheme. Via Sisu Auto.

The GTP 4×4 is one of the newest wheeled tactical vehicles in the market. It’s a clean sheet design from Sisu, a Finnish manufacturer renowned for its trucks, and meant to fill a gap between cumbersome mine-resistant troop carriers and multirole 4×4’s. The GTP’s appearance subscribes to both classes, with a monocoque hull or “backbone” that supports modular compartments, and it also boasts serious off-road mobility and all-around protection.

While the GTP’s combat optimization hasn’t been promoted enough, its design compensates by putting crew safety first; the GTP’s distinctive v-hull does improve its chances against roadside bombs. It also helps not to have so many windows that jeopardize the integrity of the passenger compartment.

Detailed specifications for the GTP 4×4 have yet to be released. Rather than publicize its mobility, Sisu emphasized its total off-road payload reaching five tons. This suggests its unloaded weight is below 10 tons, which indicates a lot of armor! Instead of naming its engine type and performance on rough terrain, Sisu claim its GTP has an independent suspension system and “differential locks in each wheel.” Furthermore, the company insists armies with experience maintaining Mercedes-Benz trucks can handle a fleet of GTPs.

The original production model of the GTP. Via Sisu Auto.

Because of its size and weight, the GTP 4×4 can fit ten people. These are the driver and co-driver, who must climb aboard and enter via the cab’s side doors shaped like hatches, and eight soldiers at the back. There’s also a square roof hatch that might be convertible to a machine gun turret on a ring mount. The actual level of armoring on the front, sides, and back are unknown but it’s safe to assume these can withstand 7.62x39mm and 7.62x44mm rounds because the GTP 4×4 was designed for expeditionary ground forces.

Owing to its newness, the GTP 4×4 is still trying to compete for orders. In Latvia, for example, it’s up against the AM General Humvee, the Otokar Cobra II, and a Paramount Group entry based on the Plasan SandCat. The GTP 4×4 is actually the heaviest among the contenders and its salient features suits infantry who either need to deploy abroad or launch missions in remote areas. It’s no coincidence the GTP 4×4 shares a strong resemblance to the British Army’s Foxhound. Both operate on the principles of long-range survivability. The ephemeral Panhard VBR and the Dingo MRAP are comparable to the GTP 4×4 as well.

If Sisu plan on showing off the GTP 4×4 in Africa and the Middle East soon, it can attract attention as a better alternative to “legacy” MRAPs that are less and less viable in ongoing war zones. Rather than promise modular upgrades, a GTP 4×4 rebuilt as an “open top” patrol vehicle or an APC with a large caliber remote controlled turret should turn a few heads. But at the end of the day, its best prospects are with armies desperate for reliable armored trucks.