Germany and Finland to jointly develop a new CAVS NEMO 6x6 self-propelled mortar to improve rapid deployment capabilities.

On January 31, 2025, the Finnish company Patria announced an agreement with Germany for the development and qualification of mortar variants within the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program for the Bundeswehr. This follows Germany’s entry into the CAVS research and development framework in 2024. The contract, valued at approximately €50 million, covers the construction of the CAVS NEMO and CAVS mortar command and control variants, their integration with German mission systems, and the qualification of the entire system to meet national requirements. Other CAVS program participants, both current and future, will also be able to utilize the outcomes of this development.
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German industry partners KNDS, FFG, and JWT will be involved in the future serial production of the CAVS NEMO, which is based on a Patria 6x6 platform equipped with the Patria NEMO 120 mm turreted mortar system. (Picture source: Patria)

The German Army's development of the CAVS mortar variant follows the Bundestag Budget Committee’s approval of €51 million for the development of a heavy mortar system. This funding covers two prototypes of the mortar carrier with the semi-automatic NEMO mortar and a prototype command vehicle. The first mortar carrier prototype is scheduled for delivery a few months after contract signing, with the remaining two prototypes expected 18 months later. Qualification is projected to be completed within three years. Series production could begin in 2026 or 2027, contingent on an additional €25 million, and the delivery of the first batch is expected by the end of 2029.

The CAVS program, established in 2019 as a multinational effort initially involving Finland and Latvia, has since expanded to include Sweden and Germany. It aims to develop a standardized 6x6 armored vehicle system to meet operational requirements across participating nations, achieving cost reductions through joint procurement while reinforcing European and NATO cooperation. More than 800 Patria 6x6 vehicles have been ordered, with over 200 delivered. Participation remains open to European nations with similar requirements, subject to approval from existing members.

The Bundeswehr plans to procure 1,000 CAVS vehicles in different configurations to replace the aging Fuchs APC fleet as part of its modernization efforts. The modular CAVS vehicles will serve as a common platform for various mission roles. For instance, the Bundeswehr intends to procure the Patria 6x6 heavy mortar in three batches, with the first batch consisting of 45 mortar vehicles and 12 command vehicles between 2027 and 2029 at an estimated cost of €262 million. The remaining batches are projected to cost a total of €332 million.

According to available information, this self-propelled mortar will be integrated into the ADLER command and weapon deployment system and prepared for digitalized land-based operations (D-LBO). ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH will be involved in these adaptations. Additional modifications include the development of a loading concept and the integration of German secondary armament, such as the mounted MG5 and smoke grenade launcher, as well as night combat capability. Other adaptations include electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), logistics documentation, and compliance with German road traffic regulations. German industry partners KNDS, FFG, and JWT will be involved in the future serial production of the CAVS NEMO, which is based on a Patria 6x6 platform equipped with the Patria NEMO 120 mm turreted mortar system.

The Patria 6x6 is designed primarily for troop transport but can be configured for command and control, medical evacuation, and heavy armored personnel carrier (APC) roles. It has independent suspension, all-wheel drive, and steering on two front axles, with an optional amphibious capability. Protection includes a modular ballistic and mine protection system compliant with STANAG Level 2, with an option to upgrade to Level 4. The vehicle has a payload capacity of 8,500 kg and accommodates ten soldiers in the rear compartment with a crew of two in the front cabin. It is designed for 72-hour missions, has a top speed exceeding 100 km/h, a climbing capacity of 60%, and an operational range of over 700 km. It can traverse 0.6-meter-high obstacles, cross 1.2-meter-wide trenches, and ford up to 1.5 meters. If amphibious, it can operate at 6-8 km/h in water.

The Patria NEMO is a 120 mm turreted mortar system designed for mobile indirect fire support. It can be integrated onto 6x6 and 8x8 armored vehicles as well as naval vessels. The turret weighs 1,900 kg, has full 360-degree traverse, and an elevation range of -3 to +85 degrees. It supports indirect fire, direct fire, and Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI), enabling up to six rounds to land on target simultaneously. The system has a maximum rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute and a sustained rate of six rounds per minute. It can begin firing within 25 seconds and move immediately after firing. The effective range exceeds 10 km, depending on the ammunition type. It is compatible with standard smoothbore mortar ammunition and advanced guided munitions. The fire control system supports networked operations, linking forward observers, command centers, and firing units through a tactical data network for rapid target acquisition and engagement. The system is automated and remotely operated.