A new modular mortar system Tremos by Patria combines the advantages of the different mortar systems, combining mobility, cost-effectiveness, and the possibility to rapidly transform existing mortar systems to mobile firing units – without the need for extensive integration work. The new system was launched in London, at the Future Mortar Systems conference. The Finnish Defence Forces has already announced plans to acquire a modular 120 mm Tremos mortar system.
The war in Ukraine has demonstrated a fundamental lesson in modern combat: mobility saves lives. A stationary mortar unit, once an essential asset on the battlefield, can quickly become a death trap under enemy fire. Traditional ground-based, foot-soldier mortars are low-cost and easy to deploy, but their limited mobility, range, and firepower make them vulnerable to rapid counterattacks. Vehicle-mounted but ground-supported mortars offer a moderate-cost alternative with improved mobility and greater range, but they still lack the swift maneuverability needed to evade return strikes. Though equipped with high accuracy and range, fully integrated mortar systems are permanently fixed on vehicles and come at a high expense. While these systems are ideal for sustained, precise support, they too face limitations in modern, dynamic warfare.
In today’s battlefield environment, the need for adaptable, mobile firepower is more critical than ever, with each mortar type facing challenges that must be addressed for effective deployment and survivability. That is why, Patria has developed, with an exceptional alliance-typed partnership with the Finnish Defence Forces, a simple, robust Tremos mortar system that combines many advantages of the traditional three mortar types. “Tremos can be quickly detached and reinstalled in field conditions, for instance, onto a new vehicle if the original is damaged, such as by a landmine—something that’s much more challenging with permanently mounted systems,” Lauri Pauniaho, Director of Weapon Systems at Patria explained.
Enhanced Mobility and Accuracy
Tremos was conceptualized and brought to prototype within a year. “We focused on significantly enhancing mobility, an increasingly important factor given today’s diverse and rapidly changing battlefield environments,” Patria’s Pauniaho said. Patria also brings specialized expertise, such as in recoil systems, which are essential for a mobile unit. “Tremos is a product that can be manufactured quickly and in large quantities. It enables the customer’s current equipment to become highly mobile since Tremos is built to work with the customer’s existing weaponry and ammunition,” explained Pauniaho. “This approach avoids extensive retraining, allowing the new mobile units to be deployed very swiftly.” Pauniaho highlighted that the Finnish Defence Forces has been an exceptional alliance-based partner in Tremos’ development.
Coming Out in London
Patria launched Tremos at the Future Mortar Systems conference in London, UK, on the 29th of October, 2024. According to Patria, it is a robust, cost-effective system that enhances the mobility and accuracy of traditional high-firepower mortars. Tremos integrates seamlessly with various vehicle types, thanks to its modernized recoil technology, and is designed to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare and crisis management with improved mobility, firepower, and accuracy.
The system retains familiar components, like an in-service barrel and breech, allowing for compatibility with existing mortars, ammunition, and ballistic tables. This design simplifies training and operation, making it a versatile choice for militaries seeking to maximize existing resources with enhanced performance. The Patria Tremos system enables rapid deployment and high first-round accuracy, designed to support infantry fire missions with a “shoot-and-scoot” capability that increases survivability in combat scenarios.
Rapid Deployment and Recoil Management
The Patria TREMOS can initiate fire within 60 seconds upon reaching a firing position and can quickly exit after the last round. Its recoil system minimizes launch stress, allowing firing without ground support, thus enabling an immediate withdrawal from the firing position. The system is compatible with 120 and 81-mm smoothbore mortar ammunition, making it versatile for various missions.
Modularity and Customizable Integration
The Patria TREMOS features an integration module that facilitates quick attachment and detachment across different vehicle types, such as 4×4, 6×6, 8×8, and light-tracked vehicles. The modular design can be customized for specific customer needs, optimizing storage and space within the vehicle. Additionally, Patria offers a solution for safely storing ammunition and preparing charges and fuses, making it safer and more user-friendly.
Patria TREMOS is coming between 1 and 2 offering cost effectiveness of 1 and even higher mobility than 2. It does not need any ground support, thus making it quicker to deploy and quicker to leave the firing position. It does not have the complexity of a servo system, either.
The mortar system represents a modernized response to the demands for protection, mobility, and rapid deployment, making it a valuable asset for diverse missions and tactical requirements across various types of troops.
Patria’s Pauniaho foreseed considerable demand for Tremos within Europe alone, but the system’s market is global. “If the customer has the weapon and vehicle, just give them to us. We’ll give the customer a mobile unit in return,” Pauniaho concluded. The Finnish Defence Forces, with experience of Patria’s earlier AMOS and NEMO mortar systems, has announced plans to acquire a modular 120 mm Tremos mortar system from Patria. The procurement involves a pre-series of the new mortar system, set for delivery to the Finnish Army in 2025.
Division in Three: Comparing Traditional Mortars Based on Base, Mobility, and Cost
Mortars are versatile and essential artillery used across modern militaries, which vary in how it’s based, their mobility, and cost, depending on their capabilities and intended use. Here are the three main mortar types:
- 1. Man-Portable Mortars
Base and Mobility: These are lightweight, ground-based mortars that infantry soldiers can carry and set up directly on the ground. Usually operated by a team, these mortars are designed for rapid deployment and can be set up almost anywhere, although they are limited by the physical endurance of the crew.
Capabilities: Foot-soldier mortars are typically used for short-range support fire, such as 60mm or 81mm mortars. They are more straightforward to operate and do not require the technical integration needed for vehicle-mounted systems.
Cost: Foot-soldier mortars are the most affordable among mortar types. Due to their simplicity and lack of mounting or electrical systems, they are cost-effective but also limited in range and firepower compared to larger, vehicle-mounted mortars. - 2. Vehicle-Mounted or Towed Mortars (Semi-Integrated Mortars)
Base and Mobility: Towed by or mounted onto vehicles like armored personnel carriers or light tactical vehicles, vehicle-mounted mortars offer improved mobility and range. If not towed, the mortar system is attached to the vehicle with a mounting system that allows the mortar to be lowered to the ground and lifted up again with electro-mechanic or hydraulic means. Mounted systems usually have servosystems for aiming but lack large traverse and elevation ranges. However, it lacks full integration, meaning it typically does not include advanced features like automatic targeting systems or electrical stabilization.
Capabilities: These mortars (often 107 or 120mm) are more powerful than man-portable mortars and can be used for longer-range fire support. They provide greater flexibility to forces, as they can be quickly transported to different areas of the battlefield.
Cost: Vehicle-mounted or towed mortars are more expensive than foot-soldier mortars due to the costs of mounting and transport. However, they remain less costly than fully integrated systems because they lack complex integration features like stabilization and full 360 traverse or direct fire capability. - 3. Fully Integrated Mortar Systems
Base and Mobility: Fully integrated mortar systems are permanently installed on vehicles, often dedicated mortar carriers. These systems are challenging to remove once installed due to complex integration that includes advanced fire control, electric systems, and integrated sensor systems for targeting, making them highly efficient but less flexible.
Capabilities: These mortars are typically heavy-duty systems (e.g., 120mm mortars) and include electronic stabilization, automated loading and aiming, and remote-control capabilities. The integration of electronic components allows for highly accurate, rapid-fire missions, making them ideal for precision strikes and long-range bombardment. Also, these systems usually allow for the utilization of part of full platform protection: NBC, IED, snipers, and shell splinters.
Cost: The cost of fully integrated mortar systems is the highest of the three types. The complexity and installation of electronics, fire control systems, and stabilization equipment drive up the costs significantly. However, this high cost is balanced by their accuracy, reduced response times, and ability to handle high-intensity, prolonged missions.
Each type serves a unique role on the battlefield, with costs and capabilities that cater to different tactical needs and budget constraints.
