At today’s Slovenian Armed Forces Day event in Koper , Valhalla Turrets , a rising star in the European defense sector, made a significant splash with the public unveiling of its latest development — the MANGART 30 Remote Weapon Station (RWS). The MANGART 30 marks a milestone in indigenous Slovenian defense engineering and represents the country’s growing capability to design and produce high-performance combat systems for modern battlefields. Developed entirely within Slovenia, the system is now positioned to compete on the international stage. The MANGART 30 is a fully stabilized, remotely operated turret system equipped with a 30 mm automatic cannon , advanced day/night sensor suites , and a fire control system that delivers unmatched precision and lethality. Designed for both air defense and ground engagement missions, it provides the Slovenian Armed Forces with a versatile and responsive weapons platform.
The system has been successfully integrated onto the Patria 8×8 armored vehicle, forming a crucial part of Slovenia’s future mechanized infantry mobility program. This integration underscores the interoperability and modularity of the Patria AMV platform, which has already seen service in various configurations across NATO and partner nations. The Patria AMV (Armoured Modular Vehicle) remains a cornerstone of Slovenia’s armored fleet. Originally contracted in 2006 for a total of 135 units, the acquisition faced delays and budget cuts over the years, with only 30 vehicles delivered before the contract was terminated in 2012. Despite these setbacks, the remaining fleet continues to serve as a flexible and adaptable platform. Current variants include those fitted with the NEMO 120 mm mortar, Elbit Systems’ 30 mm RWS, and Kongsberg Protector remote weapon stations.
The MANGART 30 project was developed in close collaboration with the Slovenian Ministry of Defence and the Slovenian Armed Forces, ensuring full alignment with current operational needs and future force modernization goals. The partnership reflects a strategic national effort to bolster domestic defense capabilities while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. According to officials present at the unveiling, the successful initial test-firing campaign paves the way for further developmental testing and certification processes. These will be followed by extensive field trials aimed at validating system performance under real-world conditions before the system enters full operational service with the Slovenian Army.
The introduction of the MANGART 30 is more than just a technological achievement — it is a demonstration of Slovenia’s growing sovereign defense industry. With Valhalla Turrets leading the charge, the nation has proven it possesses the engineering expertise , technical know-how , and strategic vision to develop complex military systems on par with established European defense players. As global demand for remote weapon systems increases, particularly in light of recent hybrid and asymmetric conflicts, the MANGART 30 positions Slovenia not only as a capable end-user but also as a potential exporter of next-generation defense solutions. The MANGART 30 may well become a flagship export product for Slovenia in the coming decade, reinforcing the country’s role in Europe’s evolving security landscape.
