Germany has entered into a significant research and development agreement with Finnish defense firm Patria, focusing on the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) NEMO mortar and its command and control variants tailored for the German Armed Forces. This collaborative initiative, valued at 50 million euros (approximately $51 million), encompasses the integration of these advanced platforms with existing German mission systems and their subsequent qualification to meet specific customer requirements.
Expressing his satisfaction with the agreement, Patria’s Executive Vice President, Jukka Holkeri, stated that it marks a pivotal step in the national development of CAVS variants for Germany. He highlighted that the introduction of the 120 mm turreted mortar variant represents a substantial enhancement to the international CAVS program, potentially attracting interest from other participating nations. Holkeri assured that the development and qualification processes will be conducted in close collaboration with the German defense industry, with future serial production involving established industrial partners, including KNDS, FFG, and JWT.
The CAVS NEMO system integrates the Patria 6×6 armored vehicle with a remote-controlled 120 mm turreted mortar, which can simultaneously fire six grenades, providing both indirect fire support and self-defense capabilities. Its lightweight, modular design allows for seamless integration with various platforms, including both tracked and wheeled vehicles, enhancing operational versatility.
In legislative developments, the German parliament’s budget committee has already approved 25 million euros ($25.56 million) to fund the agreement, with expectations for the entire amount to receive approval in future sessions. This budget allocation will support the development of prototypes for two mortar carriers and a command vehicle designated for the Future Indirect Fire Short-Range System. The new mortar systems are intended to replace the existing 120 mm mortars currently used by the German Army’s infantry units, and they will also be deployed within grenadier units.
In the context of broader defense collaboration, Germany recently signed the CAVS framework agreement, thus becoming a full member of the multinational program that includes Finland, Latvia, and Sweden. This agreement signifies Germany’s commitment to the serial procurement of CAVS vehicles built on the Patria 6×6 platform. Following a statement of intent in 2022, the signing of a technical arrangement took place in 2023, culminating in the recent execution of the final agreements for research and development, as well as the overarching framework.
Additionally, Germany has invited Patria to make a binding offer for the replacement of 300 aging Fuchs personnel carriers, indicating a strategic move to modernize its military capabilities while fostering international defense partnerships.
