120MM Mortar, All Types

The 120MM Mortar, All Types program is a key line item in the Army's FY 2026 ammunition procurement budget, supporting both operational readiness and training requirements. This program encompasses the acquisition of a variety of 120mm mortar cartridges designed for use with the M120 Towed Mortar System, M121 Carrier Mortar System, and Brigade Combat Team Mortar Systems. The goal is to ensure the Army maintains sufficient war reserve stocks, meets Title 10 operational needs, and provides for individual and collective training across active and reserve components, as mandated by Department of Defense Instruction 3000.04 and Army Regulation 5-13.

CTG, MORTAR, 120MM HE M933 SERIES W/PD FUZE is a high explosive cartridge primarily used for training but also suitable for combat. The FY 2026 budget supports engineering and production of these rounds, which feature a steel shell body, Composition B explosive fill, and the M783 point detonating/delay fuze. The M933A1 is less expensive than the M934A1, making it the preferred training round, but it retains full lethality for use against personnel, bunkers, and light materiel targets. Procurement is managed through competitive multi-award IDIQ contracts to ensure cost efficiency and surge capacity.

CTG, MORTAR, 120MM VL ILLUM M930 SERIES W/MTSQ FUZE provides visible light illumination for night operations, fire adjustment, and signaling. The FY 2026 request supports the production of cartridges that enhance the Army's ability to monitor enemy activity and coordinate fires in low-visibility conditions. The M930 cartridge features a mechanical time super quick fuze and a base-ejected payload, offering improved illumination intensity over previous 4.2-inch cartridges. This round is integral to both training and combat inventories.

CTG, MORTAR, 120MM FRTR M931 SERIES W/PRACTICE FUZE is a full-range practice round designed exclusively for training. The FY 2026 allocation funds the procurement of cartridges that support realistic training for mortar crews at a reduced cost. The M931 round replicates the weight, size, and handling characteristics of combat rounds and is equipped with a practice fuze that provides audio-visual feedback, enhancing crew proficiency and safety.

CTG, MORTAR, 120MM WP SMOKE M929 SERIES W/MOFM FUZE is used for smoke screening and limited incendiary effects. The FY 2026 budget supports the acquisition of cartridges essential for obscuring troop movements and providing cover during operations. The M929 round utilizes the M734A1 multi-option fuze, resistant to electronic countermeasures, and disperses white phosphorous-soaked felt pads to generate smoke upon detonation. This capability is vital for both training and combat scenarios.

CTG, MORTAR, 120MM HE M934 SERIES W/MOFM FUZE is the preferred warfighting high explosive round, optimized for lethality against personnel and materiel targets. The FY 2026 request funds the production of cartridges supporting both training and war reserve inventories. The M934A1 round features the M734A1 multi-option fuze, which can be set for proximity airburst, maximizing effectiveness over target areas. Procurement strategies focus on competitive contracting to manage costs and ensure timely delivery.

CTG, MORTAR, 120MM IR ILLUM M983 SERIES W/MTSQ FUZE delivers infrared illumination for covert night operations, allowing fire adjustment and observation without exposing friendly positions. The FY 2026 budget supports the procurement of cartridges that enhance capabilities for units equipped with night vision devices. The M983 round is ballistically similar to the visible light variant but emits minimal visible light, supporting both training and operational requirements. Across all subprograms, the procurement approach leverages multiple vendors and competitive contracts to minimize costs and maintain production flexibility, with oversight by Picatinny Arsenal and Rock Island Arsenal as primary contracting offices.