US Army Tests and Demonstrates Capabilities of Patria NEMO Mortar System.

On September 10, 2024, the U.S. Army showcased the capabilities of the Modular Turreted Mortar System (MTMS) during the Maneuver Warfighter Conference held at Fort Moore, Georgia. The demonstration featured the integration of the Patria NEMO mortar system onto a U.S. Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) equipped with a Fire Control System (FCD). This live event highlighted the system's ability to execute precise fire missions using U.S. mortar ammunition.
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The Patria NEMO is a 120 mm mortar system. (Picture source: Patria)

Janne Räkköläinen, Senior Vice President of Market Area World at Patria, commented on this achievement: "We are extremely satisfied with the results of our successful cooperation with the U.S. Army and our industrial partners."

The U.S. Army has been working with Patria since 2020, conducting feasibility studies and Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) on the NEMO system. Its lightweight and compact design allows for easy installation on various types of platforms, including wheeled and tracked vehicles, as well as naval vessels.

During the live demonstration, soldiers successfully executed multiple fire missions, showcasing NEMO's unique capabilities. Among these is the ability to perform Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) fire missions, allowing up to six rounds to hit a target simultaneously. This feature provides rapid and lethal firepower while minimizing the exposure of the crew to enemy counter-battery fire.

The U.S. Army's goal in evaluating the Patria NEMO is to increase the firepower of its units while protecting soldiers from the effects of blast overpressure and noise. The system's versatility and protection levels make it a promising option for enhancing the survivability and maneuverability of U.S. forces in combat operations.

The Patria NEMO is a 120 mm mortar system designed to provide both direct and indirect fire support to armored units. Its primary armament is a 120 mm smoothbore mortar, which can be used for long-distance fire or precision strikes. Optionally, the system can also be equipped with a 7.62 mm machine gun for close-range defense.

Developed by the Finnish company Patria, the NEMO is currently used by countries like Slovenia and Saudi Arabia. The mortar is mounted on a turret installed on wheeled armored vehicles, such as LAVs, thereby enhancing battlefield mobility. This modern mortar system is equipped with various accessories to enhance its operational capabilities. It integrates day/night sight systems for 24-hour use, an indirect fire system for strikes on distant targets, and fire detection and suppression systems to protect the crew.

The NEMO's crew consists of four people, who also benefit from a protection system against nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) threats, as well as an air conditioning system for operation in various environments. Communications are facilitated by radio and intercom systems.

With a total weight of approximately 18 tons, the NEMO provides sufficient armor to protect against small arms and shell splinters. Its mobility is a major asset: it can reach a maximum speed of 100 km/h and has an operational range of 800 km, making it particularly effective for operations requiring high mobility. With a length of 7.3 meters and a width of 2.9 meters, it is a compact system suitable for various operational terrain configurations.

Amid growing global interest in the Patria NEMO, discussions are underway between the U.S. Army and Patria regarding the system's potential future integration into U.S. military operations. Räkköläinen added, "We are excited to continue these discussions and bring the Patria NEMO to American soldiers, thereby enhancing their survivability, lethality, and maneuverability."