New Armoured Mortar Version Of Boxer Vehicle Unveiled

A prototype variant of Rheinmetall's Boxer Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) featuring Patria's NEMO mortar has been revealed to the public for the first time.

The new Boxer Armoured Mortar Variant (AMV) sporting the Finnish firm's 120mm Turreted Mortar System was unveiled at the British Army's Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD2024) exhibition in Millbrook, Bedfordshire, this week.

The remote-controlled NEMO (NEw MOrtar) mortar system is is a lighter version of the AMOS mortar system in use by Finland's armed forces since 2013. NEMO is capable of both direct and indirect fire missions at up to 10 rounds per minute either while stationary or on the move. It can execute Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) firing patterns, enabling up to six rounds to impact on a target at the same time. It has a range of up to six miles.

The light yet armoured system has been designed to be easily installed on both wheeled and tracked vehicles, as well as sea vessels. At present it's operated by forces in Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates; Sweden's Navy has also ordered two units for trials. As well as the U.S., the Czech Republic and Spain are other potential buyers at present.

The Boxer vehicle is produced by the ARTEC group, a consortium whose parent companies are KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall Land Systems, and is managed by the European joint armament cooperation group OCCAR. In 2019 the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD) placed a £2.3 billion contract with ARTEC for 523 Boxer vehicles (later upped to 623) in a range of configurations, including at least 28 of the AMV variants.

As per a Patria press statement: "This ground-breaking collaboration marks a milestone in the development of the British Army’s Armoured Mortar Variant, showcasing the innovative capabilities of both companies." It said the new variant "a significant leap forward" and "testament to Patria’s and Rheinmetall’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for modern armed forces."

“We are excited to present this innovative Armoured Mortar Variant at the DVD2024 exhibition,” added Rebecca Richards, Deputy CEO at Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems International. “This collaboration with Patria underscores our shared commitment to advancing military technology and providing the UK’s armed forces with the best possible equipment.”

• You can read further details on the Patria website