As European nations work to strengthen their defense capabilities amid growing security challenges, cross-border military collaborations are becoming increasingly vital.
Germany and Finland have taken a significant step in this direction by partnering to develop advanced mortar systems under the Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) program.
The project highlights the importance of interoperability and technological innovation within Europe’s defense sector.
Amid increasing defense cooperation across Europe, Germany and Finland have signed an agreement to jointly develop advanced mortar systems under the Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) program.
The partnership includes integrating and qualifying variants of the Finnish NEMO (NEw MOrtar) system for operational use by the German military.
According to Portal Obronny, the agreement builds on Germany’s entry into the CAVS program in 2023.
The project, valued at approximately €50 million, will involve developing command and control capabilities for NEMO and integrating the system with German armored vehicles.
Combining Industry Expertise
The collaboration leverages the strengths of both countries’ defense industries.
The Finnish company Patria brings its expertise in mortar technology, while Germany contributes advanced armored vehicle development through partners such as KNDS (a joint venture of KMW and France’s Nexter), Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG), and Jungethal Wehrtechnik (JWT).
Together, these companies will work on qualifying the NEMO system to meet the Bundeswehr’s requirements.
NEMO is a state-of-the-art 120-mm mortar system known for its automation, high rate of fire, and multiple rounds simultaneous impact (MRSI) capability.
This allows several mortar shells to strike a target at the same time, enhancing battlefield effectiveness. Its versatility enables installation on various platforms, including armored vehicles and naval vessels.
Expanding Interoperability
Germany’s expanded role in CAVS aims to boost interoperability within the program’s member countries, which include Finland, Sweden, and Latvia.
The NEMO system, already in use by Finland’s military on Patria AMV vehicles, has been deployed successfully in combat scenarios.
Notably, Saudi Arabia has integrated NEMO on LAV II vehicles and utilized it during operations in Yemen.
The U.S. Army has also tested the NEMO system on Stryker platforms, evaluating its potential for infantry support roles.
The system’s mobility and "shoot & scoot" capability allow forces to deliver rapid fire while evading counterattacks. Its flexibility and success in both land and naval applications make it one of the most adaptable mortar systems in global defense markets.
This collaboration underscores Europe’s ongoing efforts to enhance defense capabilities through multinational partnerships, reinforcing security and military readiness in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
