Slovakia showcased its latest military innovation at the IDEB defense fair, introducing the AM-120, a cutting-edge 120mm self-propelled mortar capable of firing an impressive 20 rounds per minute.
Minister of Defense Robert Kalinak proudly presented the AM-120, a collaborative endeavor between Slovak and Czech defense companies, underscoring its advanced technology and positioning it as a potential frontrunner among Europe’s fastest mortar systems.
The AM-120, equipped with a turret from ZTS Special and a Tatra 815-7 6×6 chassis from Excalibur Army, alongside the Lansys fire control system by Slovak company Kerametal, embodies a significant leap in military innovation.
Kalinak’s endorsement at the defense fair underscores the shared expertise and ingenuity driving this joint project.
Contributing to its robust design, the Tatra 815-7 6×6 chassis is provided by the Czech company Excalibur Army, while the precision Lansys fire control system is crafted by the private Slovak firm Kerametal.
A representative from ZTS Special disclosed to Defense News during the exhibition that the mortar’s development commenced two years ago and underwent its latest round of testing just a month prior.
The primary allure of this weapon, as emphasized by its manufacturer, lies in its remarkable capability to unleash approximately 20 rounds per minute, reaching distances exceeding eight kilometers or five miles.
Engineered to complement infantry units stationed near the front lines, it embodies a crucial advancement in military technology.
The AM-120 boasts a capacity of 60 rounds, enabling rapid deployment of firepower within minutes before relocating to evade detection by enemy sensors, a tactic commonly referred to as “shoot-and-scoot.”
This strategic maneuver, observed in Ukraine’s defense against Russia, underscores the importance of minimizing exposure to counter-fire radars, capable of pinpointing projectile origins within minutes.
An analysis by the European Council on Foreign Relations earlier this year revealed that Russia’s counter-battery fire response time averages around three minutes.
Slovakia’s AM-120 emerges as a formidable contender against the Finnish NEMO 120mm self-propelled mortar, manufactured by Patria Group.
While both systems tout a maximum firing rate of 20 shots per minute, the Slovak variant falls short in range compared to the Finnish counterpart, which can effectively engage targets beyond 10 kilometers.
Across the border, Poland also presents its own mortar system suitable for mounting on tracked and wheeled vehicles, the M120 RAK, developed by Polish defense company Huta Stalowa Wola, and currently deployed with the Ukrainian Army.
As of now, the Ministry of Defense of Slovakia has yet to announce any procurement plans for the new mortar system.
Relevant articles:
– Slovakia debuts rapid-fire mortar at local defense show, Defense News
– Navy buys BAE Systems’ Dual Band Decoy to protect Super Hornet jets, C4ISRNet
– Army Special Forces are testing this rapid-fire mortar system, Army Times
– An Urgent Matter of Drones, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)