The Swiss army has just approved the induction of a new version of the 8x8 GDELS (General Dynamics European Land Systems) Piranha V combat vehicle in self-propelled mortar carrier version called Mörser 16. It consists of a 120 mm (12 cm) RUAG MRO Cobra mortar system mounted on the Piranha V wheeled armored vehicle. According to the delivery plan of the Swiss Army, the vehicle will enter in service in 2024. 

Swiss Army's new 120mm Mörser 16 self-propelled mortar carrier based on Piranha V armored vehicle. (Picture source Liechtensteiner Vaterland)

The Cobra is a high-tech mortar system that sets new standards for indirect fire systems. A key factor is the use of an electric drive to ensure both the accuracy and the speed of the system. Electrical drives make the system highly accurate, whilst ballistic computing enables MRSI firing (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact). With intuitive and simple handling and automated loading, crews can focus on what matters: rapid and secure mission success. Cobra protects users against incorrect operation or double loading when operating at night or in extreme weather. It weighs 1,200 kg (without loading machine) or 1,350 kg (with loading machine). The recoil force is 30 tonnes in 30 milliseconds. The firing of the first round needs less than 60 seconds.

The Cobra can be easily integrated into any tracked or wheeled vehicle and is designed so users can be quickly trained to a high standard of operation.

The PIRANHA V is the fifth-generation in the family of Piranha 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles and was developed by General Dynamics and Mowag of Switzerland. The Piranha V was unveiled during the International Defense Exhibition in Paris, Eurosatory 2010. The Piranha 5 is already in service with Denmark, Monégasque Carabiniers, Spain, and Romania.

The Piranha V provides a greatly increased level of protection compared to the earlier Piranha variants. The improvements have benefited from the direct experience of Piranha on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The internal and external physical layout of the vehicle, the integrated mine-protected seats, and a range of other survivability features are incorporated into the design. The Piranha designs incorporate shaped hull plates to optimize against blast, spacing in the add-on armor and surface coatings to minimize the thermal and radar signatures.

The modular armor system provides protection against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), 14.5mm armour-piercing rounds through 360°, and 30mm armor-piercing rounds across the 30° frontal arc. The hull provides protection against 8 kg anti-tank mine explosion.

Swiss Army's new 120mm Mörser 16 self-propelled mortar  (Picture source Swiss MoD Video footage)

RUAG MRO Cobra mortar system mounted on the Piranha 5 chassis  (Picture source Swiss MoD video footage)