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
-
Analysis: British Army Ajax in service after problematic delivery – but what now?
The Ajax has finally rolled into place and achieved what the UK Ministry of Defence describes as Initial Operating Capability. With the production line for UK contracts only going to the end of the decade, what’s next?
-
Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on
As autonomous weapon systems proliferate, it is now essential to use the same core technologies to counteract and neutralise them.
-
US Marine Corps force transformation on track, according to update
The US Marines Corps’ Force Design 2030 is about restructure, changes to operational concepts, a refresh of equipment and new categories of equipment. The review indicates a high level of success.
-
BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape
The new vehicle will be based on the CV90 Mk IV chassis and turret, and will be armed with a Rheinmetall 120mm L44A1 low recoil smoothbore gun.
-
UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign
Speaking in the UK Parliament, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said possible changes in the country’s steelmaking industry will have little impact on defence projects; while much of the steel in British vehicles and ships is imported.