Rheinmetall tests mobile mortar system in Norway

German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall conducted a live-fire demonstration of its 120mm Ragnarok mortar system and a new Mortar Mission Module during a multinational event in Norway, the company said, showcasing the system under Arctic conditions.

The demonstration comes as European militaries seek mobile, rapidly deployable indirect fire systems that can operate in harsh environments while reducing logistical demands.

According to Rheinmetall, the event—Rheinmetall Nordic Mortar Day—brought together military and industry representatives from five NATO nations: Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Germany. The live-fire demonstration took place in Rena, Norway, under sub-zero temperatures and high humidity.

The company presented its latest generation of mortar systems, centered on the 120mm Ragnarok system integrated with the newly developed Mortar Mission Module. Rheinmetall described the solution as a scalable European system designed to deliver speed, precision, reliability, and cost efficiency on the battlefield.

During the demonstration, the Mortar Mission Module was mounted on an HX-series truck platform, where it was used to conduct live firing. Rheinmetall said the system demonstrated high target accuracy and rapid response capability in demanding Arctic conditions.

A key feature highlighted during the event was the system’s “shoot-and-scoot” capability, allowing the platform to relocate immediately after firing. This reduces vulnerability to counter-battery fire and improves survivability in high-threat environments.

According to the company, the Mortar Mission Module can be integrated onto a wide range of platforms and configured with different barrel options based on customer requirements. This modular approach is intended to offer flexibility for different operational needs.

Rheinmetall said the system is designed for ease of integration into both existing and future vehicle fleets, enabling armed forces to enhance indirect fire capabilities without extensive logistical changes.

Morten Kjorum, CEO of Rheinmetall Nordic, emphasized the operational context driving the development. “Today’s security environment requires that we act in a focused manner,” he said. “Europe’s strategic autonomy depends on delivering solutions that maximize operational impact while remaining practical, cost-effective, and rapidly deployable. The Mortar Mission Module is the result of close cooperation between Rheinmetall and European industry partners and users, based on transparency, shared goals, and technological excellence.”

“Together we are stronger,” Kjorum added. “Our goal is clear: to deliver systems that meet the operational requirements of European soldiers, at the speed demanded by the current situation.”

From a technical standpoint, 120mm mortar systems provide indirect fire support capable of engaging targets at extended ranges while remaining mobile. When integrated on vehicle platforms, such systems can be deployed quickly, fire multiple rounds, and relocate before enemy forces can respond.

The “shoot-and-scoot” capability demonstrated by the Ragnarok system reflects a broader trend in modern artillery, where survivability depends on minimizing exposure time after firing. Rapid deployment and withdrawal reduce the risk posed by counter-battery radars and precision strikes.

Operating in Arctic conditions introduces additional challenges, including low temperatures that affect mechanical systems, reduced visibility, and difficult terrain. Demonstrating performance under such conditions is intended to validate system reliability for northern European and allied forces.