Innovative Mortar System Aims to Enhance Army Mobility in Combat
In a significant move towards modernizing its capabilities, the U.S. Army recently conducted trials in Hawaii featuring a cutting-edge “shoot and scoot” mobile mortar system. This new development is designed to provide units with increased agility on the battlefield.
Over a five-day period starting October 20, soldiers from the 35th Infantry Regiment engaged in simulated combat exercises utilizing the Scorpion Light 81mm mortar system. These exercises were part of the Army’s ongoing Transformation in Contact 2.0 program, which seeks to integrate experimental technologies into military operations based on direct soldier feedback. The details were shared in a news release by Global Military Products, the Florida-based manufacturer of the system.
James Knight, the senior manager of defense systems and energetics at Global Military Products, highlighted the importance of the soldiers’ input, stating, “The soldiers’ feedback was invaluable and further validated the system’s ability to provide rapid, highly mobile, precise and survivable indirect fire.”
The trials demonstrated the system’s adaptability, as soldiers maneuvered the mortar platform using the Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicles, which are designed for rapid troop movement. Each vehicle is equipped to carry the mortar system and 72 rounds, enabling the Scorpion Light to fire eight rounds and relocate within two minutes.
According to a previous release from Global Military Products, the system is capable of launching its first round within 30 seconds and relocating within 30 seconds after firing the final round. A unique baseplate design allows it to be fired on almost any terrain, and it is compatible with third-party guidance systems.
The Scorpion Light’s compact size allows it to be transported inside a Chinook helicopter or carried underneath a Black Hawk helicopter. Two units tested in Hawaii will remain there for upcoming Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center exercises in November, where they will be flown in a C-17 aircraft.
This large-scale joint exercise, led by the 25th Infantry Division, will take place across Hawaii and Luzon in the Philippines and will include military personnel from several countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Maldives, France, and New Zealand. More information about the exercise can be found here.
While the Army has not yet made a decision on adopting the new mortar system, it has already been evaluated by the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia. Additionally, a version of this system has reportedly seen combat use in Ukraine.
Officials from the Army have not provided further comments on the future implementation of this platform.
