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Mobile 81 mm Mortar System

Mobile 81 mm Mortar System

Brand: BAE Systems
Category: Artillery & Indirect Fire
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Caliber & Firepower 81mm mortar capable of sustained rapid-fire support
Maximum Effective Range 6,500 meters
Mobility / Platform Type JLTV or M113 vehicle-mounted
Fire Control & Targeting System Digital ballistic computer with GPS/INS

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	Mobile 81mm Mortar System
Manufacturer	BAE Systems / Elbit Systems
Country of Origin	United States / Israel
Type / Role	Mobile Mortar / Indirect Fire Support
Caliber	81 mm
Year Introduced	2024
In Service	Under Evaluation / Limited Service
Unit Cost	USD 350,000 – 1.2 Million
Crew Required	3–4 Personnel
Platform Type	Vehicle-Mounted
Power Source	Vehicle Power / Hybrid

2. Performance & Firepower

Maximum Effective Range	6,500 m
Minimum Range	100 m
Rate of Fire (Sustained / Burst)	15 / 25 rpm
Accuracy (CEP)	≤ 50 m
Elevation Range	-3° to +85°
Traverse Range	360° (turret mount)
Recoil System	Hydraulic soft-recoil
Reload Time	20–30 sec per round

3. Ammunition & Warhead Options

Compatible Ammunition	HE, Smoke, Illumination, Guided
Caliber Standard	NATO 81 mm
Warhead Type	Fragmentation / HE / Smoke / Precision-Guided
Warhead Weight	4–6 kg
Fuse Type	Impact / Proximity
Muzzle Velocity	250–300 m/s
Guidance	Unguided / GPS-Assisted
Effective Burst Radius	25–40 m

4. Fire Control & Targeting Systems

Fire Control System	Digital Ballistic Computer / Manual
Aiming System	GPS + Inertial Navigation / Optical Sight
Communication Link	Tactical Data Link / Secure Radio
Night Operation	IR / Thermal Imaging Support
Automation Level	Semi-Automated
Targeting Assistance	AI Fire-Control Algorithm

5. Launcher / Platform & Mobility

Platform Type	Truck-Mounted / Armored Vehicle / Light 4×4
Vehicle Model	JLTV / M113 / Supacat LRV / Custom Platform
Mobility Range	500–700 km (vehicle dependent)
Top Speed	100 km/h (on-road)
Ground Clearance	350 mm
Setup / Emplacement Time	1–3 minutes
Transportability	Airlift / Sling Load / Airdrop Compatible

6. Protection & Survivability

Armor Level	STANAG Level 2–3 (for armored variant)
CBRN Protection	Optional Integrated System
Counter-Battery Radar Integration	Yes / Optional
Smoke Launcher System	Yes
Shoot-and-Scoot Capability	Yes (Full Capability)
Signature Reduction	Acoustic / IR / Radar minimized

7. Command, Control & Networking

C2 System	Integrated Battle Management / Artillery C2
Connectivity	SATCOM / Secure Tactical Data Link
Network Capability	Yes (Multi-Layer Integration)
Operation Mode	Manual / Networked / Autonomous Fire Mission
Compatible Systems	Forward Observers / UAV Spotters / Ground Radars

8. Operational History

Primary Operators	United States, Israel, Germany, India
Combat Proven	Limited Combat Testing
Operational Deployment	Iraq / Ukraine / NATO Exercises
Conflict History	Ukraine Conflict / Middle East Operations
Notable Feature	Rapid deployment with networked fire control

9. Dimensions & Weight

System Weight	~500 kg (mortar + mount)
Barrel Length	1.5 m
Vehicle Weight	5–10 tons (depending on platform)
Dimensions (L×W×H)	Variable (platform dependent)
Transport Configuration	Air/Sea/Land compatible

10. Maintenance & Support

Maintenance Cycle	500 rounds or 12 months
Field Servicing Time	< 1 hour
Spare Parts Availability	High (NATO standard components)
Training Requirement	2–4 weeks crew training
Support Package	OEM Integrated Logistic Support (ILS)

11. Economic / Procurement Data

Estimated unit cost	USD 350,000 – 1.2 Million
Cost per Round	USD 500–2,000 (standard HE)
Country Procurement Program	U.S. Army, IDF, NATO Forces
Export Status	ITAR Restricted / Export Approved
Manufacturer Website	https://www.baesystems.com/en

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10

PROS

High mobility and rapid deployment
Compatible with standard 81 mm NATO ammunition
Digital fire-control and GPS integration
Lower logistical footprint than 120 mm mortars
Proven reliability in diverse terrain

CONS

Limited range compared with 120 mm systems
Smaller warhead yield
Vehicle recoil management requires robust platform
Crew exposure during reloads
Dependence on accurate digital targeting in low-visibility

Mobile 81 mm Mortar System – Rapid Indirect Fire Power

The Mobile 81 mm Mortar System represents a new generation of light, rapid-fire indirect-fire weapons designed for mobility and precision. Originating from modern infantry support requirements, this system combines the proven lethality of an 81 mm mortar with the flexibility of a vehicle-mounted or dismountable platform. Developed by several defense manufacturers worldwide, including variants by Elbit Systems (Israel), Hirtenberger Defense Europe, and U.S. Army DEVCOM, the weapon is tailored for fast-moving expeditionary and mechanized forces.

The system fires standard 81 mm NATO mortar ammunition—high-explosive (HE), smoke, illumination, and precision-guided rounds—allowing engagement of enemy positions, light armor, or suppressive fire beyond direct-fire range. Its maximum effective range extends to approximately 6,500 meters, depending on ammunition type. With a sustained rate of fire around 15 rounds per minute, the weapon delivers high-tempo support during assault or defensive operations.

Mounted on light tactical vehicles such as 4×4 platforms, the mortar features hydraulic recoil absorption, digital fire-control integration, and GPS-aided aiming, reducing crew workload and setup time to under two minutes. The mobile configuration allows units to “shoot and scoot,” minimizing counter-battery risk while maintaining accurate indirect fire coverage.

Operators in the United States, Israel, and several NATO partners have tested or fielded mobile mortar systems in both mechanized and rapid-reaction brigades. The combination of simplicity, low cost, and enhanced mobility makes it one of the most adaptable indirect-fire weapons in modern ground warfare.

Mobile 81 mm Mortar System Price in United States

The estimated price of the Mobile 81mm Mortar System in the U.S. market ranges between USD 350,000 to 1.2 million, depending on vehicle integration, automation level, and fire control package. This cost includes basic configuration, training support, and logistics packages, making it a cost-effective force multiplier for expeditionary and light infantry formations.

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