Armasuisse to get Mortar 16 units from 2024
The Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) in Switzerland has reported that the procurement agency Armasuisse has completed testing of the 12cm Mortar 16.
Testing was carried out at a weapons site near Biere in March 2020 and the mortar system has met the necessary requirements for use in the Swiss Army.
The DDPS will now move to negotiate and sign new contracts for the 12cm Mortar 16 (pictured), with the initial handover to army units expected from 2024.
The Swiss Federal Parliament approved the project to develop the Mortar 16 in 2016. The scheme also includes 32 mortar systems (carrier vehicle and mortar gun), 12 trucks, ammunition, logistics materiel and the modification of 16 existing vehicles, such as the Piranha IV 8x8 APC made by GDELS-Mowag and the Cobra weapon system produced by Ruag Switzerland.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up]()
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
![Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement]()
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
![Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand]()
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
