12 cm Mortar 16: Successful handover of training simulator systems to the Forces
Bern, 13.11.2026 — The Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse delivered the Modular Subsystem Simulators (MTSS) for the 12 cm Mortar 16 to the Tank and Artillery Training Unit on the military training area Bière at the beginning of November. The simulator systems are used for training the future crews of the 12 cm Mortar 16 and enable realistic training under various different operating conditions.
The handover of the Modular Subsystem Simulators (MTSS) means that the Forces now have a new means of training for the 12 cm Mortar 16 system. The simulators are used for training the mortar crews and enable various realistic training and deployment scenarios to be carried out. The handover to the Tank and Artillery Training Unit took place at the beginning of November on the military training area Bière, where the simulators for training are located. Training with the MTSS supplements practical training on the real system.
Modular training system
The MTSS consists of the two simulator systems Mortar Gun Commander Training System (GFM) and Mortar Platoon Training System (ZAAM). Up to four gunners as well as the trainer and the platoon leader can be trained with the GFM. In parallel or separately from this, the ZAAM enables the cannon operators to be trained. This guarantees modular training for the complete crew of the 12 cm Mortar 16 with the exception of the vehicle crew. In addition, the MTSS enable training of extreme situations and reactions to system errors under secure conditions which either cannot be practised on the real system at all or only in restricted form. The MTSS contribute to preventing noise emissions as well as enabling use of the real systems for operations. Altogether, the simulators contribute to reducing the operating costs of the entire 12 cm Mortar 16 project as well as to conserving resources in the training operation.
Cooperation with Swiss industry
The two simulator systems were designed and produced entirely in Switzerland. The MTSS was developed and executed by the manufacturer GDELS-Mowag together with the subcontractors Brunner Elektronik AG and RUAG MRO Holding AG. As general contractor, GDELS-Mowag was responsible for the simulator and implemented the simulation of the weapon compartment. Brunner Elektronik AG developed and produced the simulation required for simulating the 12 cm Mortar 16 weapon system as well as the ammunition handling system, including its controller. RUAG AG was responsible for the software simulation of the weapon system and other IT components.
The MTSS was realised within a short project period of less than two years. After the contract was signed in December 2024, the last subsystem was accepted by armasuisse in November 2026 and handed over to the Forces.
Contribution to the Federal Council’s Armament Policy Strategy
The development and production of the MTSS in Switzerland, like the 12 cm Mortar 16 real system, is consistent with the goals of the Federal Council’s Armament Policy Strategy of 20 June 2025. This promotes the strengthening of the domestic Technology and Industry Base, thus ensuring that Switzerland will also possess security-relevant key technologies and industrial core capabilities and capacities within its borders in the future. Secondly, the aim, where possible, is for 60% of the entire defence procurement volume to be transacted in Switzerland. The entire design and production of the MTSS in Switzerland contributes towards achieving this goal.
Project 12 cm Mortar 16
Parliament approved the procurement of the 12 cm Mortar 16 with the Armed Forces Dispatch 2016. Indirect supporting fire capability at medium range has been regained with the system. Altogether, 48 mortar systems will be procured. Delivery to the Swiss Armed Forces has been taking place in stages, as planned, since 2025. The 12 cm Mortar 16 closes the capability gap left by the decommissioning of the self-propelled mortar 64/91. The system is based on the wheeled armoured personnel carrier Piranha IV from the company GDELS-Mowag and the 12 cm mortar system Cobra from the company RUAG AG.
