Skip to main content
slide 2 of 3

Breaking News: Germany Approves Development of Patria 6x6-based 120mm Mortar System for German army.


On January 30, 2025, the German Ministry of Defense announced that the German Budget Committee had approved five new procurement projects, including a pivotal contract for the development of a 120mm wheeled mortar system. This approval, granted on January 29, 2025, is part of Germany’s broader strategy to modernize its artillery capabilities by enhancing mobility, firepower, and digital integration for its armed forces. The new mortar system will be based on the Finnish Patria 6x6 armored vehicle, a highly adaptable and mobile platform that has been gaining traction in European defense cooperation programs.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

 Patria 6x6 armored vehicle fitted with the NEMO 120mm mortar system, showcased at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris, June 2024. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)


Germany’s selection of the Finnish Patria 6x6 follows its participation in the CAVS (Common Armored Vehicle System) program, a European initiative aimed at developing a standardized 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle platform. The adoption of this vehicle marks the beginning of the Bundeswehr’s transition to a modernized mortar carrier, replacing outdated systems such as the M113 and Wolf truck-mounted mortars, which have long exceeded their operational service life.

Although the official announcement did not specify the exact mortar system to be integrated, this procurement aligns with developments showcased at Eurosatory 2024, where Patria unveiled the latest mortar-equipped variant of its 6x6 armored vehicle. The showcased version featured the NEMO (New Mortar) system, a turreted, fully automated 120mm mortar capable of rapid and precise indirect fire support.

The NEMO system is a highly advanced self-propelled mortar designed for high mobility and efficiency in modern battlefield conditions. It features a fully automated firing system, requiring minimal crew for operation, and can fire multiple rounds in quick succession before repositioning—a tactic known as "shoot-and-scoot" that is essential for avoiding enemy counterfire. The system can engage targets at distances of up to 10–15 kilometers, depending on the type of ammunition used, including high-explosive and precision-guided rounds.

One of the key advantages of the NEMO system is its integration with modern fire control technologies. If selected for the German Army, it will be connected to the ADLER command and weapon deployment system, enhancing battlefield coordination and improving targeting accuracy. Additionally, the vehicle’s onboard digital communication systems will ensure real-time operational connectivity with other Bundeswehr assets, providing a seamless integration of fire support into Germany’s broader defense strategy.

The estimated cost of the project is approximately €51 million, funded through the Bundeswehr’s special defense budget. Starting in 2028, the program will transition to the regular defense budget. The full-scale production phase will be subject to a separate approval process by the Budget Committee after the completion of prototype testing and qualification to ensure that the system meets the German Army’s operational requirements.

For Germany, this acquisition represents a crucial modernization step, reinforcing its ability to provide rapid and effective indirect fire support to ground forces. The integration of the Patria 6x6-based mortar system will not only improve the Bundeswehr’s artillery capabilities but also contribute to NATO’s overall defense posture. The system’s interoperability with other NATO forces, particularly those involved in the CAVS program, further strengthens European defense cooperation.

Looking ahead, this procurement signals a continued effort by the Bundeswehr to modernize its artillery and fire support systems. With increasing emphasis on mobility, digitalization, and precision firepower, the adoption of the Patria 6x6-based mortar system ensures that the German Army remains well-equipped to respond to evolving threats and operational challenges. Whether the final selection includes the NEMO system or another mortar variant, this development marks a significant leap forward in Germany’s artillery modernization strategy, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening both national and collective European defense capabilities.


Copyright © 2019 - 2024 Army Recognition | Webdesign by Zzam