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The testing stage for a new 120mm Elbit Systems mortar round has been approved by the IDF, Elbit confirmed.
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The Israeli Ministry of Defense has announced the completion of testing for Elbit Systems’ precision mortar munition, dubbed the “Iron Sting”. The round is a laser and GPS-guided 120mm mortar, and having undergone testing approvals at a facility in southern Israel, is ready to begin its rollout to the Israeli Defense Forces.
The “Iron Sting” has been optimised for use across two different mortar systems, including the M113 APC’s “cardom” system and the 4x4 Hummer SUV’s “cardom spear” system.
The mortar system can be used in both built-up urban territory as well as open ground.
The completion of testing for the “Iron Sting” was welcomed by Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz.
“The technology made available to the IDF by Israeli industries changes the battlefield and provides our forces with more accurate and effective means. The integration of 'Iron Sting' in the IDF corresponds to the vision presented in the military’s 'Tnufa' multi-year plan. It also fulfils the IDF’s needs, adapting combat capabilities to contend with enemies hidden within civilian, urban environments, while meeting the legal and moral standards set by the State of Israel,” Minister Gantz noted.
The outcome was further welcomed by head of the Directorate of Defence Research and Development, Brigadier General Yaniv Rotem.
“Ten years of research and development have led us to this moment when we can provide the IDF’s ground forces with advanced capabilities made for the modern battlefield. This laser and GPS-guided mortar munition provides troops with a precise firing capability that has only been implemented in missiles and air munition thus far. This is a very complex program and a groundbreaking system on the international level,” he outlined.
Yehuda Vered, general manager of Elbit Systems’ Land Division, noted that the completion of testing for the “Iron Sting” notes a generation shift in mortar capabilities, transforming from “fire power into a precision fire system”.
“We believe that we have been able to develop an efficient solution that enables to increase precision and reduce collateral damage,” Vered said.
[Related: Elbit signs $383m agreement for UAS]
