Finnish Defense Forces are expanding their relationship and transferring more of its equipment maintenance work to Millog Oy, a subsidiary of the Patria Group.

From the first of next year, more army material maintenance -- including wheeled and tracked vehicles, weapon systems, electronic systems and related modifications, installations and life cycle support -- will be conducted by the company, as well as maintenance of navy vessels and their systems.

"After a comprehensive analysis, a conclusion was that the expansion of the partnership would be the best way to serve the development of the FDF logistics system." said Brig. Gen. Timo Rotonen, assistant chief of staff, logistics. "Millog has proven to be a reliable partner and positive experiences (from) the current strategic partnership have laid a foundation for the extension of cooperation."

Under a new contract, two warehouses and garrison workshops of the army and maintenance centers and the central warehouse of the navy will be transferred to Millog. About 330 FDF employees will also be included in the transfer.

The expanded contract will be in force until 2020. It's value is about $673 million.

"We are pleased that the FDF values the work we have done so far, and that the FDF trusts us by giving more responsibility to carry out the maintenance activities on behalf of the FDF," said Aarne Nieminen, Millog's chief executive officer. "Millog aims to develop its maintenance activities in order to meet future challenges."