Image source: topwar.ru
The Finnish Ministry of Defense and Patria have signed the first serial contract for the supply of more than one hundred mobile Tremos (120 KRH M3) 120 mm mortar systems worth €49.9 million by 2028. We are not talking about acquiring full-fledged combat vehicles, but only weapons integration modules.
Thus, the price per unit is less than 500 thousand euros. Savings were achieved through the reuse of barrels and breech chambers already available in warehouses from towed 120mm 120 KRH 92 muzzle-loading mortars (Finland has 822 units in total). The contract price does not include trucks that will house the warhead, as it is planned to use existing ones. The mortar modules will be equipped with inertial navigation equipment, which is purchased under separate agreements.
According to the command, in Arctic conditions (characterized by deep snow, low temperatures and rough terrain), the use of towed mortars can be extremely complicated. In this regard, the calculation is based on the fact that the Patria Tremos mobile model will allow Finnish units to practice rapid fire and withdrawal tactics.
The range of the Tremos can be more than 7 km (depending on the type of ammunition), the rate of fire is up to 12 rounds per minute. Manual ammunition feeding, loading, and aiming are retained. Rotation angle ±185°, elevation from +40° to +80°. The weight of the mortar installation ranges from 1600 to 3500 kg, depending on the configuration.
Image source: topwar.ru
The crew consists of 3 or 4 people – a commander, a gunner and one or two loaders. The combat module has integrated seats, an ammunition compartment and a preparatory workbench.
Hydropneumatic recoil protection devices allow firing from a mobile platform without a base plate, stabilizing supports or ground mounts.
Tremos can be placed on cargo platforms. 4×4, 6×6, 8×8 or light tracked transporters. Allegedly, the mortar installation on the chassis is carried out in a matter of minutes.
Tremos can open fire in less than 30 seconds from an already occupied position or in less than 60 seconds if necessary to deploy. Movement can begin immediately after the last shot, as the installation has neither a base plate nor stabilizers.
The command intends to bring mobile mortars into platoons (3 calculations), 3 or 4 platoons form companies of 9 or 12 guns each. According to his calculations, the maximum rate for a platoon will be 36 rounds per minute, for a company – 108 out of 9 guns and 144 out of 12.:
