Finland’s Defence Forces announced it is acquiring more than 100 TREMOS mortar systems from Patria, with deliveries beginning in 2026 and continuing through 2028. The Agreement also includes options for additional systems. This follows testing of pre-production models in 2025 after a one-year development process.
Patria developed the TREMOS (Traditional REborn MOrtar System) in cooperation with the Finnish Army and the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command. It is designed to allow mounting and firing of heavy mortars on various vehicle platforms without compromising mobility and rapid displacement. It is a modular design demonstrated in both 120mm and 81mm mortar configurations. The unique recoil system technology allows for mounting on a wide range of platforms, even lighter 4 X 4 and 6 X 6 tactical trucks.
Its recoil absorber technology enables the vehicle to withstand the shock of firing without support legs. As a result, according to Patria, the TREMOS mortar system can fire within 60 seconds of arriving at a firing position and exit the position within seconds after the last shot, enabling true ‘shoot and scoot’ tactics.
The TREMOS features proven standardised container locks, allowing the system to be removed from one platform, dismounted, and transferred to another with adequate carrying capacity in field conditions. This operation can be done within minutes with a forklift or front-end loader. To enhance protection, Finnish manufacturers can quickly install composite ballistic plates.
Its recoil technology lets the mortar mount on different vehicle platforms without requiring a completely new weapon system. That approach also allows users to retain existing ammunition and ballistic data, potentially reducing changes to training and logistics. Patria indicates it “can integrate TREMOS into a new vehicle within three to six months, with full readiness achievable in under a year – depending on vehicle types.”
TREMOS is compatible with all qualified 120mm and 81mm smoothbore mortar ammunition, so the weapons retain full performance. It can further be operated with only a three-soldier crew. The versatility, adaptability, and tactical speed in action make THEMOS a mortar system that meets the need for responsive indirect fires for forward combat forces that can operate and survive on the battlefield.
by Stephen W. Miller
