New mortar systems for the Swiss.

The Federal Office for Armament armasuisse has signed a contract with the general contractor GDELS-Mowag for the production of a further 16 pieces of 12 cm mortar systems. RUAG AG, as a subcontractor of GDELS-Mowag, will deliver the mortar gun. Parliament has approved the procurement of a second batch of 12 cm mortars 16 with the Army Message 2022. This brings the total number of mortar systems procured under the project to 48.

With the Armaments Programme 2022, Parliament has approved a commitment credit of 175 million Swiss francs for the procurement of a second batch of 12 cm mortars 16. This includes 16 additional mortar systems, additional protected trucks for ammunition supply, as well as funds for operational logistics. With the conclusion of the serial contract for the first 32 mortar systems, an option for 16 additional systems was agreed with the general contractor GDELS-Mowag. This option is now being exercised.

Additional mortar systems following the ongoing serial production

Currently, the 32 mortar systems of the first batch are being manufactured. According to the existing schedule, these will be delivered to the troops between 2024 and 2025.
The serial production of the additional 12 cm mortars 16 will follow. The delivery to the troops for these systems is planned for 2026.
By ordering additional material in the context of the project amendment (especially ammunition), the projected project completion date has been shifted from 2026 to 2029.

About the project 12 cm mortars 16

With the Army Message 2016, the Swiss Federal Parliament approved the project 12 cm mortars 16. The total package originally included 32 mortar systems (carrier vehicle and mortar gun), 12 trucks, ammunition, logistical material, and the adaptation of 16 existing command vehicles. The carrier vehicle used is the GDELS-Mowag Piranha IV 8x8 armored personnel carrier (also the general contractor for the weapon system) and the RUAG AG Cobra weapon system is used as the mortar gun. The commitment credit from the Armaments Programme 2016 amounts to 404 million Swiss francs. With the Armaments Programme 2022, Parliament has approved a commitment credit of 175 million Swiss francs for the second batch of 12 cm mortars 16.

Objective and purpose of the project

The Minewerferpanzer 64/91 were decommissioned in 2010. Since then, the combat battalions have not had indirect fire support with 12 cm mortars. This especially meant losing the ability for high-angle fire in favor of combat in built-up areas. With the new 12 cm mortar gun, the army will regain this capability and have a modern, powerful, and precise system suitable for use in built-up terrain. More information about the Mortar 16 can be found HERE.

ARMASUISSE website

GDELS website