On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the Finnish Defense Forces Logistics Command (Puolustusvoimien logistiikkalaitos), on behalf of the Ministry of Defense, placed an order worth 4.7 million euros net with the domestic company Patria Oyj for the newly introduced 120-mm TREMOS modular mortar system on a truck chassis. The system will receive the military designation 120 KRH M3 (Modular Mobile Mortar).
Photo: Patria Oyj
Deliveries of an undisclosed number of mortars will begin in 2025, and from 2026, they will be implemented into the Finnish Army (Maavoimat) along with personnel training. The system had its premiere at the Future Mortar Systems 2024 conference in London, held on October 29-30.
According to the manufacturer’s information, the mortar module weighs 2800 kg and will be offered in calibers of 120 mm and 81 mm. The mortar is operated by a crew of 3-4 soldiers. The theoretical rate of fire is 12-15 rounds per minute, with the first three rounds fired within 15 seconds. The firing range depends on the ammunition used and is expected to exceed 7 km. The traverse range is 185°, and the elevation range is from 40° to 80°. The system is equipped with an ammunition magazine, an ammunition feed system, and an inertial navigation system (INS) for aiming, and it can also be integrated into a battle management system.
The TREMOS mortar module has been integrated with a truck. The model presented is a flatbed vehicle with a tarp cover and an unarmored cab. Taking a firing position takes about 60 seconds, and no special ground preparation is required. The mortar is equipped with a recoil absorption system, so stabilizing supports for the vehicle are also unnecessary.
The firing is conducted directly from the flatbed after it is partially uncovered. The module can be transferred to another vehicle in case of a malfunction to continue the mission. The manufacturer states that the system can be integrated with any wheeled chassis with a 4×4, 6×6, or 8×8 drive configuration or with light tracked vehicles.
“The new M3 system enhances our forces’ mobility, protection, and thus effectiveness. The system’s development is an example of rapidly progressing cooperation, from concept creation to prototype construction, test firing, system testing, and defining the pre-series requirements, operational principles, and tactics. Operational experience will be gathered from the pre-series systems being acquired now, and any potential additional procurements will be decided later. The aim is to begin conscript training with the new mortars in 2026,” says Colonel Ari Lehmuslehti, Inspector of the Infantry from the Army Command.
“We have developed this new mortar system in close collaboration with the Finnish Defence Forces. After the initial ideas were approved, it took only a year to produce the first prototype for proof-of-concept tests. The main objective was to significantly increase the mobility of an existing mortar equipment. The recent events have highlighted the importance of mobility as the diversity of the battlefield and threat scenarios have increased”, explains Lauri Pauniaho, Director, Weapon Systems at Patria.
Currently, the Finnish Army has 27 units of 120-mm 120 KRH TEKA mortars on Sisu NA-122 GT chassis in active service (accompanied by 14 NA-123 GT ammunition vehicles), as well as 822 infantry mortars, including 120-mm 120 KRH 92 76, 81-mm 81 KRH 71 Y, and 550 modernized 81 KRH 96.
Patria TREMOS – a mobile version of traditional mortar! 💥
With advanced technology, Patria TREMOS provides infantry fire support like never before. Its robust structure ensures reliable fire support in all weather conditions – for every mission.
🔗 https://t.co/NNRnPUnP9M pic.twitter.com/xE3lQ7oFa2— Patria Group (@group_patria) October 31, 2024
Större rörlighet med det nya, modulformade fordonsmonterade granatkastarsystemet, läs mera här:https://t.co/DgiwMrz2HO
— Maavoimat (@Maavoimat) October 29, 2024