Mortar Systems

Mortar Systems under the Army's Procurement of Weapons and Other Combat Vehicles budget activity, aims to procure and maintain mortar weapon systems and associated equipment to support the mounted and dismounted vehicle platforms in the Armor Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs), Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs), and Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs). This includes the production of 60mm Lightweight M224A1, 81mm Lightweight M252A1, and 120mm M120A1/M121 mortar weapon systems, along with subsystem components such as Mortar Stowage Kits (MSK), trailers, and supporting subsystems. The program's objectives include fulfilling current and future Army Acquisition Objective (AAO) gaps, meeting Operational Need Statement (ONS) requirements, and supporting the increase in Army reorganization and stand-up unit requirements.

The funding for FY 2024 will support the procurement of three each M121 120mm mortar weapon systems, M298 barrels, subsystems, and support equipment. Additionally, it will procure three each M121 120mm mortar weapon systems in support of the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI). This funding is essential to address shortages of 120mm mortar weapon systems resulting from Army reorganization of ABCTs from two Battalions per Brigade to three Battalions per Brigade and an increase in Army Acquisition Objective (AAO) for new stand-up units. The program also aligns with Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L.110-181), which mandates necessary items for use by the active and reserve components of the Armed Forces for homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and providing military support to civil authorities.