Israel’s defense ministry has unveiled the Iron Sting laser and GPS guided mortar munition that was developed in collaboration with Elbit Systems.
The new round was introduced after Israeli defense forces and Elbit Systems completed final trials on the 120 mm mortar recently at a testing range in the south of the country.
The final test marked the conclusion of a 10-year developmental program and enables Israel to start serial production ahead of the system’s supply to the IDF.
As explained by Elbit, the series of tests was carried out using two networked Cardom mortar systems, one mounted on an M113 APC and another mounted on a Hummer 4X4.
The Iron Sting is designed to engage targets in both open terrains and urban environments, while reducing the possibility of collateral damage and preventing injury to non-combatants. What makes this munition special is the fact that it incorporates capability that has so far been reserved for large and complex missiles.
“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,” defense minister Benny Gantz said.
“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,” head of research and development at the Israeli defense ministry’s research and development directorate, Brig. Gen. Yaniv Rotem, said.
“The introduction of this laser and GPS guided munition transforms the mortar system from a statistical fire power into a precision fire system, thus delivering a significant change in fire capabilities at the tactical level. We believe that we have been able to develop an efficient solution that enables to increase precision and reduce collateral damage,” general manager of Elbit Systems Land Division, Yehuda (Udi) Vered, commented.
