Budget Account
2033A - Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles, Army
Budget Activity
02 - Weapons and other combat vehicles
Description
The Mortar Modification program, part of the Army's Weapons and Other Combat Vehicles procurement activity, is designed to enhance existing mortar systems. The focus is on modifying the 60mm Lightweight M224A1, 81mm Lightweight M252A1, and 120mm M120A1/M121 mortar weapon systems. These modifications aim to support both current and modernized mounted and dismounted platforms by replacing aging or obsolete components with updated parts. This includes Basic Issue Items (BII) kits, Additional Authorized List (AAL) items, Modified Work Order (MWO) kits, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), and Technical Data Packages (TDPs).
The program's objectives include increasing the producibility and manufacturability of these systems within the United States industrial base. Efforts are made to support higher firing pressures and integrate new components to enhance system accuracy and reliability. Additionally, improvements in tracking cannon service life are targeted while addressing obsolescence and technical issues related to weapon system safety. These enhancements are crucial for maintaining operational readiness and effectiveness in various military missions.
Although there is no request for this program in FY 2025, its importance is highlighted by its alignment with Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. This section emphasizes the necessity of such programs for use by active and reserve components of the Armed Forces in homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and military support to civil authorities. The modifications ensure that these mortar systems remain a vital component of national defense capabilities.