Switzerland expands 120mm mortar buy to 48 with follow-on order
The Swiss Federal Office for Armaments (armasuisse) has signed a contract with GDELS-Mowag for a further 16 Mörser 16 120mm mortar systems. RUAG will supply the mortar itself as a subcontractor.
This means a total of 48 mortar systems will now be procured as part of the programme.
Under the 2022 armaments programme, the Swiss Federal Parliament has approved procurement of a second tranche of the mortar systems with a value of CHF175 million. The contract also covers protected trucks for ammunition resupply and operational support.
The new contract represents the exercise of an option with GDELS-Mowag.
The 32 mortar systems in the first tranche are currently being manufactured and will be handed over between 2024 and 2025. Delivery of the additional systems planned is planned from 2026.
The mortar systems combine a Piranha IV 8x8 IFV platform with RUAG's Cobra mortar.
Switzerland approved a contract worth CHF404 million for development and production of this combination in 2016. 32 Mortar 16 platforms were originally required, as well as 12 trucks and the modification of 16 Piranha I platforms into command vehicles.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Lithuania set for Leopards and CV90s following latest order of Boxers
Lithuania, like several countries bordering Russia, has invested heavily in defence since the latter’s invasion of Ukraine. In the past 12 months, Lithuania has ordered GM200 air defence radars, Expal towed mortars and Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) systems.
-
EOS looks to improve CUAS capability as further development and deployment continue
EOS Defense Systems remote weapon stations (RWS) have been in service in Ukraine. The company has seen users deploy it for CUAS roles in a war where drones have been heavily used.
-
Textron to make improvements to Ripsaw M5 and M3 UGVs
The company has been partnering with several suppliers to enhance the autonomy of its platforms.