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Light infantry faces a firepower problem. Units need heavy indirect-fire support that can move quickly with them, but traditional 120mm mortar systems can require larger vehicles, more crew involvement and time to set up before firing. Once a mission is complete, remaining stationary also increases exposure to enemy counter-fire.
A new mobile mortar called Scorpion Medium is designed to put 120mm firepower on the lightweight Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) while automating much of the work normally required to prepare and aim the weapon.
Developed by Global Military Products and NTGS, the all-electric system weighs approximately 635 kilograms and carries 16 rounds. It combines autonomous targeting support with an auto-lay system, which automatically positions the mortar according to firing data rather than requiring the crew to manually align the tube.
A single-button function handles emplacement and displacement in roughly 10 seconds, according to NextGenDefense. That means a vehicle can arrive, prepare the mortar for operation and later return it to its travel configuration relatively quickly.
Speed matters for artillery and mortar crews because firing can reveal their position. Reducing setup and pack-up time gives a mobile system more opportunity to conduct a fire mission and relocate before an adversary responds.
The mortar is also fully electric, removing the need for hydraulic actuation to position the weapon. The company describes it as the first all-electric 120mm mortar solution integrated onto a US Army ISV.
Another distinctive feature is its enlarged non-seating baseplate. A mortar normally transfers significant recoil forces into the ground when fired, which can complicate operations on hard surfaces. Its patented baseplate is designed to support firing from terrain including pavement and concrete, expanding the locations from which the vehicle can operate.
The company says the 120mm configuration provides approximately 25% greater standoff range and greater effect per round, although detailed range figures were not provided.
The system shares its architecture with the smaller Scorpion Light 81mm mortar, which is already being integrated onto ISVs under a $12.9 million Army contract. That commonality could simplify training, logistics and the integration of existing digital fire-control technology.
The 81mm version is being connected with Army systems including Nett Warrior, allowing digital targeting information to move more quickly between sensors and the mortar crew. Similar integration is intended for the larger system.
The mortar was recently displayed with the 75th Ranger Regiment at the Army Maneuver Warfighter Conference.
Its underlying concept is straightforward: combine the firepower of a 120mm mortar with the mobility of a light tactical vehicle, then automate the setup and aiming process so the crew can arrive, fire and move again with less manual work.
