Rheinmetall has secured a contract with the Spanish government to supply 84 units of its 81mm Eimos mortar systems, a deal valued at approximately €150m ($161.76m).  

The agreement, signed with Rheinmetall's subsidiary Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, also encompasses maintenance and training for the Spanish Armed Forces.  

The delivery of the systems is scheduled between the end of 2024 and 2027, with the order set to be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024. 

The 81mm Eimos mortar systems, which are platform-based, will be operated across the Spanish Army, Navy, and Air Force. 

As part of Spain's UTEX programme initiated by the Ministry of Defence in 2017, various tactical light vehicles have been trialled for compatibility with the mortar systems.  

Tests were conducted in 2021 by the Spanish Army and Marine Corps of two onboard mortar systems on light vehicles from EXPAL Systems. 

Eimos allows for the mounting of Rheinmetall’s 81mm 81MX1 medium mortar and 60mm light mortars onto a 4x4 light vehicle, such as the URO VAMTAC.  

The system features a turntable-mounted mortar capable of a full 360° rotation and a soft-recoil mount system that enables integration with lightweight vehicles without the need for additional stabilisation. 

The mortar system has a storage capacity for six ready-use rounds on the turntable, with additional ammunition carried on the vehicle, providing full combat autonomy.  

The Dual Eimos 81mm self-propelled mortar has already been in service with the Spanish Naval Infantry for two years, reported digital newspaper Infodefensa. 

Earlier in October 2024, Rheinmetall partnered with Leonardo to establish a joint venture, Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles, aimed at creating a new European centre for the development and production of military combat vehicles.  

The joint venture will be headquartered in Rome with an operational base in La Spezia.