Thales and Arquus sign a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate the SpinFire mortar range on tactical vehicles

• Thales and Arquus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate the SpinFire mortar family, including 120mm rifled mortars, on Arquus light tactical vehicles.
• This partnership combines Thales’ expertise in mobile, precise weapon systems with Arquus' mastery of tactical vehicle design and integration. It offers attractive turnkey solutions for both companies’ target markets.
• Two demonstrators showcase this collaboration: the 120MC, which has successfully completed an evaluation campaign, and the 2R2M system (Rifled Recoiled Mounted Mortar), a 120mm vehicle-mounted rifled mortar system already proven on the VAB (Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé) armoured personnel carrier.
• The demonstrator is being presented at the Arquus stand at Eurosatory 2026.

Thales and Arquus today announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to initiate exploratory discussions on the integration of the SpinFire mortar family, including the 120 mm rifled mortar, onto vehicles across the Arquus range. ​ At a time when land forces are seeking fire-support solutions that combine precision, robustness and adaptability, the availability of an intermediate system between the 120 RT (towed rifled mortar system) and the 2R2M, capable of being mounted on lighter vehicles, has become essential. To address this requirement, Thales is developing a generic portfolio based on its SpinFire range (120 RT, 120 MC and 2R2M), providing enhanced flexibility and modularity.

The 120 MC (120 Mortar Carrier) was launched in 2024 and recently successfully completed a demonstration and evaluation campaign conducted by the French Army. The system is based on a demonstrator originally developed in the Netherlands in cooperation with Spanish company Escribano and Dutch vehicle manufacturer Defenture. It provides enhanced mobility and rapid deployment capabilities.

Developed by Thales since 1992, the 2R2M builds on the proven performance of the 120mm Towed Mortar. Designed for vehicle integration, the 2R2M combines precision, rapid emplacement and optimised mobility, meeting the current operational requirements of land forces.

In this partnership, Thales brings its expertise by supplying complete weapons system solutions:

• For the 120 MC system, Thales provides the Weapon Management System (WMS), the inertial navigation unit, the 120mm rifled barrel and the associated ammunition, while Arquus supplies the vehicles and Escribano the deployable arm.
• For the 2R2M system, Thales also provides the WMS, the inertial navigation unit, and the 2R2M weapon system together with its associated ammunition, while Arquus is responsible for vehicle integration.

This non-exclusive industrial partnership enables Thales and Arquus to leverage their respective technical and commercial expertise, particularly in export markets. ​

“With the SpinFire mortar family, we offer armed forces a comprehensive range of mobile and responsive fire-support solutions, tailored to the full spectrum of operations. The signing of this partnership with Arquus marks a new milestone in its development.” said Julien Assoun, Vice President, Vehicles and Tactical Systems, Thales.

Notes:

• 2R2M: Rifled Recoiled Mounted Mortar
• 120 RT: 120 mm towed rifled mortar system
• 120 MC: 120 mm self-propelled mortar system

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in high-tech solutions for the Defence, Aerospace and Cybersecurity & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group invests €4.5 billion a year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing and Cloud technologies.

Thales employs more than 85,000 people in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated revenue of 22.1 billion euros.

About Arquus

As part of the bicentennial John Cockerill Group, Arquus is the leading supplier of land vehicles to the French Army. As the European leader in armoured vehicles and a key player in innovative defence technologies, Arquus is part of John Cockerill Defence, a technology leader in high-powered, multi-functional weapon systems ranging from 25 to 120 mm calibre for light and medium armoured vehicles. Marketed under the Cockerill® brand, John Cockerill Defence’s weapon systems combine superior firepower with light weight for highly mobile armoured vehicles, ensuring both performance and protection.

John Cockerill Defence develops and integrates innovative solutions: the design, production, integration and upgrading of weapon and mobility systems, remotely operated turrets and Hornet® anti-drone solutions, Arquus® military vehicles, operational and tactical training, Agueris® simulation systems (immersive virtual, mobile, on-board and interconnectable), in-service support and innovative features.

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