Thales and Arquus sign a MoU to integrate the SpinFire mortar range on tactical vehicles

This partnership combines Thales’ expertise in mobile, precise weapon systems with Arquus’ mastery of tactical vehicle design and integration. It offers attractive turnkey solutions for both companies’ target markets.

Thales and Arquus today announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to initiate exploratory discussions on the integration of the SpinFire mortar family, including the 120 mm rifled mortar, onto vehicles across the Arquus range. ​

At a time when land forces are seeking fire-support solutions that combine precision, robustness and adaptability, the availability of an intermediate system between the 120 RT (towed rifled mortar system) and the 2R2M, capable of being mounted on lighter vehicles, has become essential. To address this requirement, Thales is developing a generic portfolio based on its SpinFire range (120 RT, 120 MC and 2R2M), providing enhanced flexibility and modularity.

The 120 MC (120 Mortar Carrier) was launched in 2024 and recently successfully completed a demonstration and evaluation campaign conducted by the French Army. The system is based on a demonstrator originally developed in the Netherlands in cooperation with Spanish company Escribano and Dutch vehicle manufacturer Defenture. It provides enhanced mobility and rapid deployment capabilities.

Developed by Thales since 1992, the 2R2M builds on the proven performance of the 120mm Towed Mortar. Designed for vehicle integration, the 2R2M combines precision, rapid emplacement and optimised mobility, meeting the current operational requirements of land forces.

In this partnership, Thales brings its expertise by supplying complete weapons system solutions:

• For the 120 MC system, Thales provides the Weapon Management System (WMS), the inertial navigation unit, the 120mm rifled barrel and the associated ammunition, while Arquus supplies the vehicles and Escribano the deployable arm.
• For the 2R2M system, Thales also provides the WMS, the inertial navigation unit, and the 2R2M weapon system together with its associated ammunition, while Arquus is responsible for vehicle integration.

This non-exclusive industrial partnership enables Thales and Arquus to leverage their respective technical and commercial expertise, particularly in export markets. ​

“With the SpinFire mortar family, we offer armed forces a comprehensive range of mobile and responsive fire-support solutions, tailored to the full spectrum of operations. The signing of this partnership with Arquus marks a new milestone in its development.” said Julien Assoun, Vice President, Vehicles and Tactical Systems, Thales.

Thales

Click here to read the latest issue of ESD.