Production ramps up for Swiss Piranha 120mm mortar
GDELS-Mowag's Piranha 3+ platform. (Photo: Christopher Foss)
The Swiss Army has ordered 48 Piranha 3+ vehicles equipped with RUAG Cobra 120mm mortars, which can fire up to 10 rounds per minute and have a range of 9,000m. The vehicles have a Scania diesel engine, a Kongsberg RWS with a 12.7mm MG and an applique passive armour package.
Production of the 12cm Mortar 16 for the Swiss Army has begun at the General Dynamics European Land Systems – Mowag (GDELS) facility following trials with one prototype and one pre-production vehicle.
The trials included mobility and firing trials, as well as extensive ballistic and mine trials, to prove the all-welded steel hull. The 12cm Mortar 16 has been based on a GDELS-Mowag Piranha IV (8x8) platform, although Mowag have named it the Piranha 3+.
GDELS – Mowag has been named overall prime contractor and RUAG will supply the turntable mounted 120mm Cobra smooth bore mortar which is fitted with
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![NATO demonstrates equipment and prototype innovations in Crystal Arrow Exercise]()
NATO demonstrates equipment and prototype innovations in Crystal Arrow Exercise
The Crystal Arrow Exercise is being used by NATO as a way to put new equipment such as uncrewed ground and aerial vehicles into the hands of alliance users, particularly Latvian and Baltic forces.
-
![UK finally signs $1.35 billion British Army howitzer deal but with scaled-back numbers]()
UK finally signs $1.35 billion British Army howitzer deal but with scaled-back numbers
The deal will provide the British Army with five times the number of guns it currently operates as an interim measure, but it still leaves the force with comparatively fewer weapons than partner forces.
-
![NATO boosts uncrewed usage and shifts on concept of operations based on lessons learned from Ukraine]()
NATO boosts uncrewed usage and shifts on concept of operations based on lessons learned from Ukraine
The war in Ukraine remains a focus of procurement, concepts of operation, tactics and training for NATO countries. The Crystal Arrow Exercise in Latvia, ongoing until 15 May, is a reflection of this.
