Rheinmetall Ragnarök mortar armament module
MWS 81/120 module with 81 mm mortar
Since the beginning of the last decade, Rheinmetall Defence has been working on the advanced MWS 81/120 Ragnarök mortar weapon system. To date, the company has presented two versions of this system, each with guns of different calibers, as well as several variants for its use on various platforms. weapon While it is not yet in high demand on the market, the developer is not abandoning its plans and is continuing its advertising campaign.
First success
History The Ragnarok project dates back to 2012, when the Norwegian Army decided to develop and field a new self-propelled mortar. To this end, Rheinmetall Defense was commissioned to develop a combat module capable of carrying an 81mm or 120mm mortar. The plan was to install such a module on an existing armored chassis, creating the desired combat vehicle.
The new project was named MWS 81/120 (Mortar Weapon System 81/120 mm). The designation VingPos was also used, after one of the module's key systems. The project was later renamed Ragnarök. The system's development was handled by the Norwegian branch of the German concern Rheinmetall Nordic (formerly Vinghøg AS).
The MWS 81/120 project made extensive use of off-the-shelf solutions and components, which significantly reduced its development timeline. A prototype of this module was presented at an exhibition in the spring of 2014. It was planned to be sent to the testing grounds for initial testing soon.
Module on an armored car
Testing, design refinement, and other processes took several years, but the result was a success. The Norwegian Army has adopted a combat vehicle based on the CV90 chassis, equipped with an MWS/VingPos module and an 81mm L16A2 mortar. Interest has also been reported in a similar vehicle with a larger-caliber weapon.
New options
The VingPos/Ragnarök mortar weapon system was regularly showcased at various exhibitions and attracted attention. However, despite the developer's best efforts, no new orders were received. Therefore, in the second half of the 2010s, Rheinmetall Nordic began exploring various uses for the system. The plan was to showcase various combat vehicles and systems to attract customers.
The results of this work were subsequently demonstrated at various exhibitions. For example, designs for self-propelled mortars based on various armored vehicles were proposed. The MWS 81/120 module and ammunition were proposed to be mounted inside the carrier vehicle's hull, firing through a full-size hatch in the roof. Depending on the chosen caliber, a variety of chassis could be used.
The Boxer armored vehicle, which has become widespread in European armies, was considered as a potential carrier. A fighting compartment module was developed for it, consisting of a hull section with an MWS 120 mount. This vehicle was unveiled and tested in 2022. Interest was reported from several customers. This involved replacing the 120mm mortar with a smaller-caliber weapon.
A simplified version of a self-propelled mortar based on a truck
Also in 2022, a towed version of the Ragnarok was unveiled. The completed weapon module was mounted on a light wheeled trailer. It can be transported by a wide range of vehicles, including pickup trucks. Before firing, the module and its base plate are lowered to the ground. A more sophisticated trailer version with armored protection for the crew is also available.
In mid-March 2026, the Nordic Mortar Day exhibition took place in Norway, showcasing modern mortar systems. Rheinmetall presented a new version of the MWS Ragnarök. This time, the module, ammunition, and other equipment were housed within a compact armored hull. It was mounted on a four-axle MAN HX truck.
Rheinmetall continues to explore new ways to use the MWS 81/120 module and regularly introduces various versions of self-propelled or towed mortars based on it. Some of these products have already passed field and field trials. It is quite possible that serial production orders will be placed in the near future.
Basic module
The foundation of all projects in the series is the MWS 81/120 Ragnarök mortar armament module. This compact weapon system is suitable for mounting on various chassis and includes all necessary instrumentation. At the customer's request, it can be equipped with a 120mm or 81mm mortar. No redesign is required to accommodate the caliber.
The module is built around a square platform that houses a slewing bearing. This slewing bearing, in turn, houses the oscillating section with recoil mechanisms and the mortar. This mount's design allows for 360-degree azimuth guidance and a wide range of elevation angles. Remotely controlled electric drives are used, but handwheels for manual guidance are also provided. A trigger control mechanism is included, if the mortar being used has this feature.
At the gunner's workplace
The module mounts an 81mm or 120mm mortar. It is designed to use only muzzle-loading weapons with a trigger mechanism or a simple firing pin on the breech. The Ragnarok's design is designed to withstand the maximum loads encountered during firing in all modes, up to 120mm mortars with an additional charge.
The mortar is loaded manually from the muzzle, regardless of firing mode. The ammunition is stored in compartments within the fighting compartment. Its dimensions depend on the specific features of the self-propelled or towed mortar, including available volumes, platform load capacity, etc.
The mortar module has a fully functional fire control system. Its core is a Kongsberg Odin computer, which handles all calculations and generates firing data. Navigation is performed using the Vinghøg Talin system. The self-propelled mortar must also be equipped with communications equipment to receive target data.
The Ragnarok can fire any NATO-standard 81- and 120-mm mortar. The system's ammunition complement also includes standard ammunition. Therefore, its basic combat characteristics are no different from those of other towed or self-propelled mortars. At the same time, a modern fire control system should improve the accuracy and precision of fire.
The MWS 81/120 Ragnarök module, without armament, weighs approximately 650 kg. The maximum weight, including the mortar and base plate, reaches 1000 kg. Furthermore, the self-propelled mortar must carry ammunition, a combat crew, and other equipment, which places additional demands on the carrier platform.
The modern approach
A modern self-propelled mortar must meet a variety of requirements, and these aren't limited to mobility and cross-country capability. Such a system must demonstrate high firepower, including improved accuracy. Automation of key fire preparation and control processes is also essential.
In a number of modern projects, all such requirements are met through the development of specialized installations or combat modules. These devices are equipped with the necessary electronic and electromechanical components and are also equipped with mortars of the required caliber. The resulting module can be mounted on a suitable chassis.
The MWS 81/120 Ragnarök project is based precisely on these ideas. Using existing components and a number of new devices, Rheinmetall developed a fully functional mortar weapon module with sufficient performance. The potential of this system has been repeatedly demonstrated in tests and exercises.
However, the Ragnarok hasn't yet proven particularly popular with customers. This type of equipment has only been supplied to the Norwegian army, while other countries are reluctant to purchase it. This may be due to the excessive cost of the modules or a lack of understanding among potential customers of the need for such a weapon. Regardless, the developer continues to develop its project and proposes new uses for the module. Perhaps this will help it find new customers.
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