International demand for Patria NEMO mortar systems is experiencing robust growth. Patria’s MUSCL passive radar, which complements air surveillance, is also generating significant interest. Patria is well known in the international market, especially for its armoured wheeled vehicles. However, interest in other products and solutions from the Finnish company is also rising in the wake of this success.
Text: Matti Remes Photos: Patria
According to Mikko Leino, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Defence and Weapon Systems business area, the company’s flagship weapon system is the Patria NEMO mortar system.
This is a mortar system integrated onto an armoured vehicle or tracked platform, which improves mobility, firepower and protection to a new level.
– A key competitive advantage is that Patria NEMO can fire accurately even while the vehicle is on the move. None of our competitors offers a similar capability, Leino explains.
A constantly moving vehicle makes Patria NEMO a difficult target for adversaries.
– The war in Ukraine has demonstrated that operating for prolonged periods in the same position is no longer viable. Patria NEMO provides mobile fire support, and many countries have recognised the need for rapidly deployable indirect fire, Leino says.
Modularity for any mission
To date, the largest Patria NEMO order has been placed by Germany as part of the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme. The order comprises 876 Patria 6×6 vehicles with options, some of which will be integrated with the Patria NEMO mortar system, reflecting significant market interest also in Patria’s leading mortar system solutions.
Patria unveils a prototype at the international defence and security exhibition Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, where the Patria NEMO mortar system is integrated onto the new Patria TRACKX tracked vehicle. According to Leino, the combination delivers both powerful mobility and firepower.
– I believe the prototype will attract attention, as it combines a high-performance vehicle with an effective weapon system. Patria TRACKX is particularly well-suited for terrain where movement is otherwise challenging.
Mortar system for sea and shore
Patria NEMO also has a naval variant, which is ideally suited for high-speed naval vessels. Sweden, for example, has ordered NEMO systems for eight mortar vessels used by amphibious forces.
Additionally, Patria’s portfolio includes Patria NEMO Container, where the mortar system is integrated into a shipping container. Its key strength is ease and speed of deployment.
– The container solution works well on a ship’s deck, but it can also be transferred ashore if necessary, says Hannu Jokinen, Vice President of Operations at Patria’s Defence & Weapon Systems business area.
According to Mikko Leino, the new Patria TREMOS mortar system has also attracted international attention. Thanks to recoil damping technology developed by Patria, TREMOS can be integrated onto various platforms. For instance, the mortar can be mounted on a modular flexible platform and then onto an off-road truck.
Patria NEMO can fire accurately even while the vehicle is on the move.
Leino notes that the TREMOS system is a durable and cost-effective solution for enhancing the mobility and accuracy of traditional mortars.
– We estimate that demand for this type of solution will also grow soon. Discussions are already underway with several countries.
Patria MUSCL passive radar is invisible to the enemy and detects even the smallest and low-flying targets, such as drones.
Beyond weapon systems, Patria’s Defence and Weapon Systems business area is responsible for electronic intelligence and surveillance systems, as well as drones. Mikko Leino reports that, among electronic intelligence systems, the Patria MUSCL passive radar system, which enhances air surveillance, has attracted international interest.
Patria’s solution provides effective coverage of the blind spots of conventional radar systems. The passive radar, invisible to the enemy, also detects small and low-flying targets.
– Patria MUSCL is an excellent system for detecting drones, for example, Leino points out.
In addition to individual products, Patria can offer high-performance comprehensive solutions
Patria set to increase production capacity
In addition to individual products, Patria can offer high-performance comprehensive solutions. Customers do not need to assemble the required capabilities from separate elements, as target identification and engagement, for example using indirect fire, are included in Patria’s offering.
With Patria’s signal and passive radar systems, real-time and comprehensive situational awareness is achieved, which can be immediately utilised in indirect fire direction or armoured vehicle operations.
This is complemented by Patria’s drone systems, which can, for example, be integrated into indirect fire control systems or vehicle protection.
Hannu Jokinen explains that Patria is preparing for increased product demand by renewing production processes and expanding production capacity.
– In practice, this means further investments in production and hiring new employees. Alongside developing Patria’s own capabilities, the network of subcontractors and other partners also plays a crucial role in growth, Jokinen emphasises.
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