Norwegian firm AS Concept Vehicles (ASCV) has introduced the G5 Ragnarok—a new 120mm self-propelled mortar system designed for high-mobility indirect fire support. Combining a high rate of fire with automation and modularity, the platform aims to meet the evolving demands of fast-paced mechanized warfare.
Platform Overview and Design Philosophy
The ASCV G5 Ragnarok is built on a modified Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG 5000 chassis—renowned for its off-road performance and reliability. The choice of chassis reflects a design priority toward strategic mobility and tactical agility. The vehicle’s compact profile and all-terrain capability make it suitable for rapid deployment in both conventional and asymmetric operational theaters.
The system integrates an automated 120mm smoothbore mortar turret mounted at the rear of the vehicle. This configuration allows for quick deployment and retraction of the weapon system without dismounting crew members. The turret is enclosed and remotely operated from within the armored cabin, enhancing crew survivability under combat conditions.
Firepower and Rate of Fire
The standout feature of the Ragnarok is its ability to deliver up to 20 rounds per minute (RPM), placing it among the fastest-firing systems in its class. This rate is achieved through an advanced autoloading mechanism integrated into the mortar turret. The weapon can sustain this high rate of fire during short bursts—ideal for shoot-and-scoot tactics or saturation fire missions.
The system supports standard NATO 120mm mortar ammunition types—including high-explosive (HE), smoke, illumination, cargo (submunition), and precision-guided munitions (PGMs). Maximum effective range varies depending on munition type but typically reaches up to 8–10 km with standard HE rounds and beyond 12 km when using rocket-assisted projectiles or PGMs such as STRIX or Patria’s NEMO-compatible guided rounds.
Automation and Fire Control Systems
The G5 Ragnarok incorporates a digital fire control suite that includes integrated GPS/INS navigation, ballistic computation software, target acquisition interfaces, and encrypted data links compatible with NATO-standard C4ISR architectures. This enables rapid response to forward observer calls-for-fire or integration into networked battlefield management systems.
A key component is its compatibility with automated target data input via digital maps or JTAC feeds—allowing near-instantaneous firing solutions without manual calculations. The system also supports MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) firing modes by adjusting elevation angles across sequential shots so that multiple projectiles land on target simultaneously.
Mobility and Crew Protection
The UNIMOG-based platform ensures excellent cross-country mobility with permanent all-wheel drive (4×4), differential locks, central tire inflation system (CTIS), and a power-to-weight ratio optimized for mountainous or forested terrain common in Nordic operational environments. Top road speed exceeds 90 km/h; operational range is approximately 600 km depending on payload configuration.
Crew protection includes STANAG Level I armor against small arms fire and shell splinters. The vehicle can be optionally fitted with add-on armor kits for higher protection levels based on mission profile. NBC filtration systems are available as optional modules.
Operational Role and Tactical Integration
The ASCV G5 Ragnarok is designed to operate in direct support of mechanized infantry units or as part of mobile artillery batteries executing harassing fires or counter-battery suppression missions. Its shoot-and-scoot capability reduces vulnerability to counter-battery radar detection while enabling flexible repositioning post-engagement.
Its lightweight footprint makes it air-transportable by C-130-class aircraft or CH-53 helicopters—a key requirement for expeditionary forces operating in austere environments. Moreover, its modular design allows integration into multinational battlegroups using NATO-standard logistics chains.
Comparison with Peer Systems
The G5 competes with other Western SP mortars such as:
- Patria NEMO: A turreted 120mm mortar system offering similar automation but mounted on heavier platforms like AMVs; lower rate of fire (~10 RPM sustained).
- Elbit Spear MK2: Lightweight recoil-reduced SP mortar used by IDF; manually loaded but highly mobile; lower burst rate (~15 RPM).
- Mjölner (Sweden): Twin-barrel manually loaded SP mortar based on CV90 IFV chassis; slower setup time but robust armor protection.
The Ragnarok offers a middle ground between heavy turreted mortars like NEMO/NAMOS and lighter trailer/vehicle-mounted tubes like Spear MK2—balancing automation, mobility, and affordability.
Development Status and Market Outlook
The ASCV G5 Ragnarok was first unveiled at Eurosatory 2024 in Paris before undergoing limited field trials in Norway during Q3–Q4 2024. According to company officials interviewed by MiliVox, production readiness could be achieved by late Q3 2025 pending final validation tests under winter conditions—a critical benchmark given Norway’s Arctic commitments under NATO posture plans.
No export contracts have yet been announced publicly; however, interest has reportedly been expressed by Baltic states seeking cost-effective mobile indirect fire platforms compatible with existing NATO logistics networks. Given current trends emphasizing dispersed fires over fixed artillery parks due to drone threats, systems like the G5 may find increasing relevance among light brigades seeking organic fires without sacrificing maneuverability.
Conclusion
The ASCV G5 Ragnarok represents an evolution in mobile indirect fire support—combining high-rate automated firing capabilities with robust mobility suited for modern maneuver warfare. While still early in its development cycle compared to legacy systems from Patria or Elbit Systems, its modularity, digital integration potential, and affordability position it as a promising contender in future SP mortar procurements across Europe’s northern flank—and potentially beyond.
