GDLS UK and Patria unveil the Ajax NEMO self-propelled mortar
Ajax NEMO experimental self-propelled mortar
Recently, a line of armored vehicles based on the unified Ajax tracked platform was developed for the British ground forces. This family includes combat and support vehicles for various purposes, and there are proposals for new ones. For example, a self-propelled mortar based on an existing platform and a serially produced foreign-made combat module was recently unveiled.
Joint development
From January 20th to 22nd, the International Armored Vehicles Conference (IAVC) was held in Farnborough, England. It was announced in advance that General Dynamics Land Systems, UK, and Patria, Finland, would be among the participants. They were scheduled to showcase their existing developments, and an upcoming premiere was also announced.
On the eve of the GDLS UK conference, Patria promised to unveil a new joint development. Together, the two companies completed the design and built a prototype self-propelled mortar. This vehicle uses only off-the-shelf components, a fact reflected in its name—Ajax NEMO.
As planned, the Ajax-Nemo prototype was delivered to the IAVC-2026 exhibition pavilion. Promotional materials for the new project were also prepared for the conference. Exhibition visitors had the opportunity to inspect the new armored vehicle, explore its capabilities, and ask questions to representatives of both development companies.
According to available information, the Ajax NEMO project is a joint venture between two companies. They have not received any military contract to develop such an armored vehicle and have decided to demonstrate their technical capabilities independently.
An experimental armored vehicle at an exhibition
The new self-propelled mortar is expected to be presented to the British Defence Ministry in the near future. They will be responsible for evaluating this development and drawing conclusions. The British Army is currently seeking a new model of this class, and the Ajax NEMO has a certain potential to attract their interest.
However, the project's proactive nature imposes certain limitations. It's still unknown when the new armored vehicle will be presented to a potential customer. Also questionable is the army's interest and whether it will translate into actual orders and contracts. It's expected that the situation will begin to clear up in the near future.
From ready-made components
The Ajax NEMO project is based on the simple idea of installing a prefabricated fighting compartment on an existing tracked chassis. This approach has obvious engineering and production advantages. Furthermore, it fits perfectly with the development logic of the Ajax armored vehicle family.
The new self-propelled mortar is based on the unified Ajax chassis. This tracked armored vehicle has internal volumes for installing a fighting compartment with weapons, troop compartments, or other equipment. Apparently, using this chassis in the new project does not require any major redesign.
The Ajax NEMO retains the standard armored hull with projectile-resistant frontal armor and bulletproof/fragmentation protection from other directions. The new fighting compartment is mounted in the central part of the hull, in the standard location for turrets and modules. The rear of the hull likely accommodates ammunition storage and crew stations.
The self-propelled mortar's powerplant and chassis were not expected to change. All Ajax versions are equipped with 800-hp MTU diesel engines and a Renk automatic transmission. The chassis has seven pairs of road wheels with torsion bar suspension. The suspension design is designed to accommodate weapons with a fairly powerful recoil.
The British-Finnish joint project involves the use of the Patria NEMO (New Mortar) combat compartment. This is a fully-fledged unmanned turret with underturret devices, equipped with a mortar and control systems. The NEMO was originally designed for installation on various chassis, and the new project has once again demonstrated its potential.
NEMO has an armored cap that protects against bullets and shrapnel. The frontal embrasure houses an oscillating mortar mount. The fighting compartment design provides 360-degree traverse and elevation angles from -3° to +85°. The total weight of this module reaches 1,9 tons.
The NEMO turret is equipped with a 120mm smoothbore mortar mounted on hydropneumatic recoil mechanisms. The weapon is breech-loading and has a semiautomatic sliding breech. The mortar is operated by a chambering mechanism; ammunition is fed manually. The maximum rate of fire is 10 rounds per minute. During sustained firing, this rate drops to 5-6 rounds per minute. Depending on the ammunition type and firing mode, a range of up to 8-10 km can be achieved.
The NEMO can use the full range of existing 120mm mortar rounds, including high-explosive fragmentation, incendiary, smoke, and other types of ammunition. It can also use guided mines that meet NATO standards. The ammunition load depends on the chassis and stowage capacity. For example, the Ajax chassis can accommodate up to 50-60 mines.
Patria has developed a digital fire control system with all the necessary components and functions. It receives the necessary data and performs firing calculations. The FCS also remotely controls all components. The precision of the calculations, the presence of a stabilizer, and other features are claimed to ensure good firing performance across the entire range.
Controversial development
Overall, the new Ajax NEMO self-propelled mortar looks quite interesting and could attract the attention of potential customers. This vehicle has a number of obvious advantages and benefits. These are primarily due to the use of off-the-shelf components that have already undergone the necessary testing and refinement.
However, the prospects for such a development are still uncertain. Its main problem is its unsolicited nature. The UK Ministry of Defence has not commissioned the development of such a combat vehicle and likely will not purchase it. However, this does not mean the British Army will be left without 120mm self-propelled mortars.
Several years ago, the Ministry of Defense announced its intention to purchase 80 NEMO self-propelled mortars on the German-made Boxer chassis. However, this chassis is quite expensive. Therefore, it was decided to test the Finnish Patria 6x6 CAVS vehicle and consider it as an alternative to the Boxer.
A similar combat vehicle based on the Ajax chassis is not included in such plans. However, it cannot be ruled out that the Ministry of Defense will change its plans again and decide to purchase vehicles based on domestically produced chassis. In this case, it can count on the positive factors associated with the standardization of ground forces equipment.
Ajax IFVs were one of the first batches in the combat unit
However, it's safe to assume that the Ajax-Nemo won't live up to all expectations. Despite its various advantages, such a combat vehicle is not without its drawbacks. Any one of these, in the current situation, could prove decisive and determine the decision of a potential customer.
Thus, the Ajax chassis remains a problematic development, with its teething problems still unresolved. Reportedly, even mass-produced vehicles still suffer from vibrations, which negatively impact the crew and troops, and likely also the onboard systems. Ordering self-propelled mortars on such a chassis when more successful alternatives are available is a questionable move.
In turn, the NEMO fighting compartment has been criticized for its complexity and high cost. This cost-cutting approach explains the recent cancellation of plans to purchase Boxer vehicles and the commencement of Patria CAVS trials. It cannot be ruled out that the British Ministry of Defence will ultimately return to the old concept of a self-propelled mortar with a gun mounted within the hull of the carrier vehicle and manually operated.
Influence of various factors
Thus, the Finnish company Patria is highly likely to receive an order for mortar combat units. Meanwhile, the British company GDLS UK also wants to expand its order book and is prepared to collaborate with its Finnish colleagues to achieve this. They have jointly developed a new self-propelled mortar based on existing components.
The Ajax NEMO prototype will likely be sent to the test site soon, demonstrate its capabilities, and receive military evaluation. The UK Ministry of Defence will then need to consider a number of factors, refine its plans, and select a self-propelled mortar for further procurement. It's possible that this new development from GDLS UK and Patria will be the one chosen.
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