The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Swedish: Försvarets materielverk, FMV) has signed a contract with Swede Ship Marine AB to supply 8 Fast Mortar Vessels withstabilizing grenade launchers for use in the Swedish Amphibious Corps (Amfibiekåren, Amf) Battalions in Stockholm and Gothenburg. The contract means that the Amphibious Battalions will receive a new capability to perform accurate indirect fire while advancing at sea. The Swedish Navy first launched a similar program back in the late 90’s with the idea of using the CB 90 as the platform paired with the Patria twin 120 mm AMOS-turret, however canceled while still on the drawing board in 2009.
Under the Amfibiebataljon 2030 (Amfbat 2030) plan, the Swedish Amphibious Battalion is adopting a new concept of operations oriented towards a more disaggregated but fully networked force with command, weapon, sensor data, and operational components distributed across different platforms. Amfbat 2030 also includes a major recapitalisation programme, which will see new boats and equipment delivered after 2025. The new fast vessel is designed to carry a stabilised 120 mm mortar to provide indirect fire support. This approach is intended to enable the battalion to assemble combat mass where and when needed to stop or delay the disembarkation of a hostile force.
Swede Ship Marine has a long history and is no stranger to built Fast Mortar Vessels. The company has delivered similar solutions to the United Arab Emirates in the form of their 24 m landing craft fitted with Patria-built 120 mm mortar turrets. The fast mortar ship, as advertised by the manufacturer, is 24.25 meters long, 5.10 meters wide, and has a draught of 1.25 meters with a maximum speed of 33 knots. A crew of 8 operates the vessel, which is equipped with a forward gun and an aft gun, both with a caliber of 12.7 mm. The vessels are built in co-operation between Swede Ship Marine who built the first and Abu Dhabi Ship Building that builds the series.
Patria NEMO Navy is a turreted, remote-controlled 120 mm mortar system. The turret is a light and compact system, ideal for applications in fast-moving naval fleets and mechanised fleets. It is an indirect fire support system, but due to its direct fire capability, it can also be used for self-defence against other vessels. Patria NEMO Navy can also fire Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) fire missions where up to 6 grenades are hitting the target simultaneously. Patria NEMO Navy is functioning perfectly on board. Rapid response, accuracy, shoot & scoot, firepower, protection, mobility – all the characteristics of Patria’s Game Changers of the Battlefield.
