NEMO Production Forecast in Johnstown, PA
Patria and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace have partnered for the future US turreted mortar programmes, the companies announced on 30 June.
The teaming will provide the US market with a powerful combination of Patria’s renowned mortar systems and Kongsberg’s remote weapons systems (RWS) manufacturing capabilities in the US, coupled with its experience in the US market.
Patria NEMO is a remote-controlled 120mm mortar system capable of both direct and indirect fire on the move. NEMO can also execute multiple rounds simultaneous impact (MRSI) fire missions with up to 6 rounds per mission. In addition to being highly protected, NEMO is light, compact and easily installable on light, tracked chassis, wheeled armored vehicles or naval vessels.
Eyeing upcoming turreted mortar programmes for the US armed forces, Patria and Kongsberg have agreed to leverage the latter’s existing RWS manufacturing facilities in Johnstown, PA for production of NEMO in the US. The facility, together with Kongsberg’s wide US supplier base, has provided over 14,000 weapon systems to US armed forces over the last 20 years, including MCT-30 remote turrets for the army’s STRYKER programme and, in May 2020, the company was selected to do the same for the USMC’s Amphibious Combat Vehicle programme.
“Kongsberg’s track record in high-end weapon system production in the US is highly regarded, making Kongsberg a logical choice to manufacture our systems for the US armed Forces. We are now ready to provide the US with the world’s most advanced, protected and mobile 120mm mortar system and to do so from within the US,” commented Jussi Järvinen, President of Patria’s Land Business Unit.
“Kongsberg and Patria have a long history of working together and a relationship that was strengthened in 2016 with Kongsberg’s minority stake in Patria,” added Pål Bratlie, Executive VP Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. “This teaming agreement for the NEMO mortar system is a fantastic means for our companies to join forces to provide solutions to the warfighter for the turreted mortar mission.”
