Mortar Modification

The Mortar Modification program is a line item within the Army's Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles (W&TCV) budget, specifically under Budget Activity 02: Weapons and Other Combat Vehicles, and Sub Activity 20: Modification of Weapons and Other Combat Vehicles. The primary goal of this program is to modify and upgrade existing mortar weapon systems, including the 60mm Lightweight M224A1, 81mm Lightweight M252A1, and 120mm M120A1/M121 systems. These modifications are intended to support both current and modernized mounted and dismounted platforms, ensuring that the Army's mortar capabilities remain effective and reliable in a variety of operational environments.

Specific objectives of the program include the replacement of aging or obsolete major system components and subcomponents. This encompasses the procurement and integration of Basic Issue Items kits, Additional Authorized List items, Modified Work Order kits, Engineering Change Proposals, and Technical Data Packages. By updating these components, the program aims to address issues related to system safety, reliability, and accuracy, while also enhancing the overall performance of the mortar systems.

Another critical goal of the program is to increase the producibility and manufacturability of mortar systems within the United States industrial base. This involves supporting higher firing pressures, integrating new components that improve system accuracy and reliability, and enabling better tracking of cannon service life. These efforts are designed to ensure that the Army can efficiently procure the required assets and maintain a robust supply chain for mortar system components.

In addition to technical upgrades, the program addresses obsolescence and technical issues that may affect weapon system safety. By implementing engineering changes and technical data updates, the program seeks to mitigate risks associated with outdated technology and ensure compliance with current safety standards. This is particularly important for maintaining the operational readiness of both active and reserve components of the Armed Forces.

Funding for the line item in prior years and FY 2024 is documented. However, there is no budget request for FY 2026, as noted in the justification. The absence of a FY 2026 request reflects the completion of planned modification activities or a shift in priorities within the Army's procurement strategy.

The program is justified under Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 110-181), which mandates the necessity of such items for use by active and reserve components in homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and military support to civil authorities. This statutory requirement underscores the importance of maintaining modernized and reliable mortar systems for a broad range of defense and support operations.