Rheinmetall Nordic’s Ragnarok mortar upgrade shows strong integration potential
The Ragnarok Mortar Mission Module has demonstrated its ability to quickly switch platforms, presenting scope for it to be employed for multiple requirements.
THeMIS combat UGV equipped with the R400S-Mk2 HD remote weapons station. (Photo: Milrem)
Thailand has become the latest country to receive the THeMIS UGV from Milrem Robotics, after a Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) variant was delivered to the Defence Technology Institute (DTI) in line with a November 2019 agreement.
The RCV will be tested and evaluated by the Royal Thai Army and DTI ‘in the near future’, THeMIS manufacturer Milrem Robotics announced on 8 February.
‘Cooperation with DTI will grow the local robotic technology capabilities in Thailand in terms of the local assembly and system integration,’ said Milrem CEO Kuldar Väärsi.
Features of the RCV being evaluated in Thailand include an R400S-Mk2 HD remote weapons station from Australian company Electro Optic Systems with a Northrop Grumman M230 LF 30mm chain gun.
THeMIS can also be armed with ATGMs and a 40mm grenade launcher.
The Ragnarok Mortar Mission Module has demonstrated its ability to quickly switch platforms, presenting scope for it to be employed for multiple requirements.
The British Army’s plans to replace thousands of vehicles have been troubled with resets, delays and change. It is possible, however, that genuine progress is being achieved on two of the three segments in the programme.
The US Army’s organic industrial base still uses World War II production methods and technologies, leading to delays and cost overruns and limiting its ability to produce critical ammunition and maintain its ground fleet in operation.
Manufacturers are speeding up their counter-drone development efforts as countries increasingly focus on procurements to provide battlefield and national protection.
Finnish company SCATA will use the Texelis Celeris chassis for a new vehicle similar to the Serval 4x4 which Texelis is building with KNDS France for the French Army.
The proposed $920 million deal would provide Sweden with a step up from its existing tube artillery and align the country with other northern European nations that have selected the HIMARS platform.