Arms company Valhalla Turrets has officially presented its new remote weapon station designed for Patria 8×8 Armored Modular Vehicles (AMVs).
The Mangart 30 was revealed during the Armed Forces Day celebration in Koper, southwest Slovenia, where the locally developed capability was shown to be fully integrated into the carriers.
The system was developed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Slovenian Armed Forces.
Designed for “the demands of modern combat,” the Mangart 30 is equipped with a Busmaster Mk44S 30mm autocannon, allowing it to use airburst ammunition and 30x173mm rounds, as well as an FN MAG general-purpose machine gun that can hold 2,200 ready-to-use 7.62x51mm rounds.
The remote-controlled turret is also fitted with NATO-standard STANAG armor, with Level 1 and 2 protection options.
It can also hold eight smoke grenade launchers, adding another layer of battlefield survivability for the AMVs.
“With the Mangart 30 we’ve proven that Slovenia has the knowledge, expertise, and determination to develop some of the most complex and advanced systems in the global defense industry,” Valhalla stated.
Modernizing With Patria
Slovenia signed a letter of intent with Finland in February detailing the acquisition of Patria 8×8 carriers.
A reported 106 are expected to be purchased for 695 million euros ($730 million).
The country has announced the procurement following pushes for military modernization compliant with medium battalion battle group specifications laid out by NATO.
Ljubljana also canceled a deal beforehand to purchase 45 Boxer AMVs, which were deemed insufficient for the battle group.
