The Federal Office of Armaments armasuisse has signed a contract with the general contractor GDELS-Mowag for the production of a further 16 12-cm mortar systems. This means that a total of 48 mortar systems will now be procured under the project.
As part of the 2022 Armament Program, Parliament approved a commitment credit for the procurement of a second tranche of 12-cm mortars from the manufacturer GDELS-Mowag in the amount of 175 million Swiss francs. This includes 16 additional mortar systems and further protected trucks for ammunition replenishment. The program also includes additional funding for mission logistics. The original contract provided for the delivery of 32 weapon systems. There was also an option to request an additional 16 systems. This option has now been taken.
Currently, the 32 mortar systems of the first tranche are being manufactured. According to the existing schedule, these will be delivered to the force between 2024 and 2025. Series production of the additional 12 cm mortars will take place downstream. Consequently, delivery of the additional mortars is planned for 2026. Full completion of the project is not expected before 2029.
Filling voids
The impending procurement was prompted by the decommissioning of the 64/91 mortar tank in 2010. Since that date, combat battalions have had no indirect fire support with 12 cm mortars. In particular, the ability to fire at angles greater than 45 degrees was vacant during this period. The 12-cm mortar gun is intended to remedy this deficiency.
