BAE Systems Revolutionizes Indirect Fire Capabilities with New AMPV MTMS Self-Propelled Mortar Vehicle.

At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition 2024, BAE Systems showcased its latest advancement in mobile artillery solutions: the Modular Turreted Mortar System (MTMS). The new system combines the versatility of the AMPV (Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle) with the precision and firepower of the Patria NEMO remote-controlled 120mm turreted mortar system.
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At AUSA 2024, the AMPV MTMS Modular Turreted Mortar System was displayed at the BAE Systems booth. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The AMPV MTMS represents a leap forward in mobile, self-propelled mortar technology, offering the U.S. Army a robust, efficient, and highly mobile indirect fire capability. The system leverages the AMPV's proven tracked armored platform, ensuring durability, mobility, and compatibility with existing U.S. Army infrastructure. Integrating the NEMO mortar turret significantly increases firepower, allowing for rapid, accurate, and remote-controlled deployment of 120mm mortar rounds.

The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is a versatile, tracked armored vehicle developed by BAE Systems for the U.S. Army. Designed to replace the aging fleet of M113 vehicles, the AMPV provides enhanced protection, mobility, and adaptability on the modern battlefield. It is a modular platform configured for various roles, including troop transport, command and control, medical evacuation, and mortar carrier. Built on a robust chassis similar to that of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the AMPV offers improved survivability, better off-road performance, and increased payload capacity, making it a reliable and flexible solution for supporting mechanized infantry operations.

The NEMO (New Mortar) mortar system, developed by the Finnish Company Patria, is a remote-controlled, turreted 120mm mortar designed to provide versatile and mobile fire support. It can be integrated into various platforms, including armored vehicles and naval vessels. The NEMO system's turreted design is fully enclosed, allowing the crew to operate it remotely from within the vehicle, ensuring their safety during combat operations.

One of NEMO's standout features is its ability to "shoot on the move." Unlike traditional mortar systems that require a stationary position to fire, NEMO can deliver accurate fire support while the vehicle is in motion, enabling units to remain mobile, evade counterattacks, and adapt quickly to changing battlefield conditions. It can engage a wide range of ground targets, providing indirect fire support for infantry and mechanized units, as well as targeting enemy positions, bunkers, and light armored vehicles.

The NEMO mortar system offers a firing range of up to 10 kilometers, providing support over long distances. It is also capable of rapid, sustained fire, with a maximum rate of fire of up to 10 rounds per minute. This rate of fire, combined with its automated loading and fire control systems, enables swift targeting and efficient engagement of multiple targets. Additionally, the NEMO system's ability to fire under armor protection ensures that operators can conduct firing operations without exposing themselves to external threats, maintaining safety while delivering sustained and precise firepower.

Overall, the NEMO mortar system combines the mobility of a self-propelled platform with the firepower and versatility of a traditional mortar, offering enhanced protection, rapid deployment, and adaptability for various military operations.

The BAE Systems AMPV is fitted with a Patria NEMO 120mm mortar system offering shoot-and-move capabilities as well as direct fire against ground targets. (Picture source Army Recognition Group)

BAE Systems has been working closely with the U.S. Army to develop the AMPV MTMS, with the prototype being delivered to the Army in January 2024. The system incorporates a common top plate design, facilitating seamless integration of the NEMO turret onto the AMPV chassis. This design aims to enhance modularity, enabling future upgrades and the potential integration of other turreted systems.

Following its delivery, the AMPV MTMS underwent extensive field evaluations, assessing its performance, durability, and operational capabilities under various conditions. These evaluations are crucial for determining the system’s viability as a future asset for the U.S. Army’s armored and mechanized units.

One of the key highlights of the AMPV MTMS development was its participation in a live fire demonstration on September 10, 2024, during the Maneuver Warfighter Conference at Fort Moore, Georgia. This demonstration was a critical opportunity for military officials and defense industry experts to witness the system’s capabilities firsthand. The AMPV MTMS successfully showcased its rapid deployment and accurate fire support, reinforcing its potential as a reliable asset on the modern battlefield.

The live fire exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of the NEMO mortar turret's automated loading and targeting systems, which enable quick reaction times and enhanced precision. The turret's remote-control capabilities also allow operators to engage targets from a safe distance, providing a tactical advantage in various combat scenarios.

The AMPV MTMS is designed to meet the U.S. Army's need for a flexible and mobile mortar system that can be deployed rapidly in diverse combat situations. Integrating the NEMO turret on the AMPV platform aligns with the Army's broader modernization goals, emphasizing modularity, adaptability, and interoperability across its fleet of armored vehicles.

As the system progresses through its evaluation phases, BAE Systems remains optimistic about its future prospects. The successful demonstration at Fort Moore has generated significant interest, and further tests and assessments are expected to continue through the rest of 2024. If the evaluations conclude positively, the AMPV MTMS, with its potential for mass production, could provide the U.S. Army with a next-generation solution for indirect fire support, sparking excitement about its future.