BAE Systems Delivers Revolutionary AMPV NEMO 120mm Self-Propelled Mortar Carrier Prototype to US Army.

In landmark advancement for armored mortar-carrier combat vehicles, BAE Systems has proudly announced the delivery of its innovative Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) Turreted Mortar prototype to the U.S. Army, setting a new standard in combat vehicle technology and adaptability. This cutting-edge prototype features the groundbreaking External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP), designed for the rapid installation of various turrets, and boasts the state-of-the-art Patria NEMO remote-controlled 120mm turreted mortar system. This delivery marks the debut of the world's first fully automated mortar system mounted on a tracked armored vehicle, heralding a new era of military firepower and versatility.
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BAE Systems delivers to the U.S. Army a new prototype of AMVP self-propelled mortar carrier equipped with the NEMO, a 120mm fully-automated mortar system. (Picture source BAE Systems )

The delivery results from a dynamic technology investment collaboration among the U.S. Army, BAE Systems, and KONGSBERG/Patria. This effort showcases the potential for variant expansion within the versatile AMPV family. By leveraging a proven and fully qualified platform like the AMPV chassis, the Army gains access to deploy essential combat capabilities, such as the Patria NEMO system, to the battlefield more swiftly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

"Transferring this exceptional capability to the Army for further evaluation represents a pivotal moment in broadening the operational flexibilities available to our soldiers, ensuring they retain tactical superiority across various combat scenarios," stated Bill Sheehy, AMPV Program Director at BAE Systems. "The genesis of the AMPV Turreted Mortar prototype can be traced back to discussions with the Army in 2022, the same year the ExMEP was conceived alongside our industry partners. We eagerly anticipate its performance assessment. The initiative and forward-thinking approach to its development underscore our commitment to enhancing the warfighter's effectiveness, which remains the core mission of the AMPV program."

The AMPV Turreted Mortar prototype, leveraging the ExMEP for rapid integration of the NEMO 120mm mortar system, serves as a versatile indirect and direct fire support platform suitable for various mission profiles. This innovative system enables the execution of Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) fire missions, where up to five mortar rounds can strike targets concurrently in less than four seconds, whether the vehicle is stationary or mobile.

The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) for the U.S. Army represents a significant leap forward in battlefield mobility, versatility, and protection. Designed to replace the aging M113 family of vehicles, the AMPV is a family of next-generation, highly adaptable tracked armored vehicles tailored to meet a wide range of mission needs across the combat team. This platform offers enhanced survivability features against mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and direct fire. It supports various roles, including medical evacuation, command and control, and mortar carrier operations, among others.

The NEMO is a fully automated mortar system designed and manufactured by the Finnish Company Patria. (Picture source BAE Systems)

The Patria NEMO 120mm mortar system is a highly advanced, remote-controlled, turreted mortar system designed for both direct and indirect fire support. As the world's only turreted mortar system that can be mounted on land platforms, naval vessels, and stationary positions, NEMO offers exceptional versatility and firepower. Capable of firing up to 10 rounds per minute, its high rate of fire and Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability enable it to launch several rounds that can hit the same target simultaneously, maximizing the effect on the target while minimizing the time the platform is exposed to enemy fire. The system's automation allows for rapid aiming, shooting, and laying, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and crew safety. The NEMO system can use a wide range of ammunition types, offering solutions for various tactical requirements, including smoke, illumination, and precision-guided munitions, making it a pivotal asset for modern military forces seeking flexible and powerful fire support capabilities.

The Patria NEMO 120mm mortar system stands out for its impressive maximum firing range and swift deployment capabilities. It can engage targets up to 10 kilometers away with conventional ammunition, and this range can extend further when using rocket-assisted projectiles, enhancing its operational flexibility and effectiveness in various combat scenarios. The system's design emphasizes rapid deployment and mobility, allowing for a transition from traveling mode to firing mode in mere minutes. This rapid deployment capability ensures that forces can quickly respond to threats and take advantage of tactical opportunities as they arise. The combination of its extended range and quick setup and stow times makes the NEMO system an invaluable tool for providing immediate, high-impact fire support across a wide area of operations, ensuring superiority in firepower and contributing significantly to the success of military engagements.

Compared to the existing AMPV Mortar Carrier variant, which incorporates the traditional 120mm mortar system, this new prototype signifies a monumental leap in capability, offering enhanced operational flexibility and force protection while ensuring soldiers remain shielded by the vehicle's armor.

In the coming months, the AMPV Turreted Mortar prototype will undergo exhaustive field evaluations by the Army to validate its performance against the rigorous demands of modern warfare.

This announcement comes on the heels of BAE Systems unveiling a second turreted AMPV prototype featuring Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) capabilities via the ExMEP top plate in the past three months. As warfare continues to evolve, the AMPV platform's tailored framework highlights the endless possibilities for seamless capability enhancements to support the Army's Armored Brigade Combat Team's operational needs.

Defense News March 2024