Mortars

The LI 1085 - Mortars line item in the Department of Defense (DoD) FY 2026 Navy budget supports the procurement of 60mm and 81mm mortar ammunition for the Fleet Marine Force. The primary objective is to ensure the Marine Corps maintains sufficient stocks of mortar munitions to meet both training and war reserve requirements. This line item encompasses a family of mortar cartridges, including high explosive (HE), smoke, illumination, and full-range practice rounds. These munitions are essential for the operational readiness and training of Marine Corps units equipped with lightweight and medium-weight mortar systems.

This budget line is managed under the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA), led by the Army. The SMCA is responsible for negotiating unit costs and managing contracts for the procurement of these munitions, which have a typical lead time of 24-44 months. The appropriation request will be used to replenish expended stocks, address service life limitations, and fulfill the Total Munitions Requirement (TMR) for the Marine Corps. The procurement strategy consolidates cost elements to align with other ammunition budget lines, providing clear visibility into deliverable quantities and unit costs.

The 60mm M721 Illumination Cartridge request reflects an increase in funding compared to the previous year, driven by service life limitations in the inventory. This replenishment is needed to meet TMR and to support ongoing training, deployment preparation, and operational requirements. Procurement will ensure the availability of illumination rounds for both training and combat operations, with deliveries expected in early FY 2028.

The 60mm M769 Full Range Practice Cartridge (FRPC) request reflects a decrease from the previous year due to adjustments in Marine Corps Force Design and updated TMR calculations. These practice rounds are critical for maintaining proficiency among mortar crews. The funding decrease results from current inventory levels and reduced procurement quantities, which also leads to a higher unit cost due to loss of economies of scale.

The 60mm M720A2 High Explosive Cartridge request is increased to address inventory shortfalls and ensure replenishment of HE rounds expended during training and operations. This cartridge utilizes IMX-104 explosive for improved safety, which comes at a higher cost compared to legacy rounds. Deliveries are scheduled for mid-FY 2028.

The 81mm M819 Smoke Red Phosphorous Cartridge request is higher than the previous year due to inventory shortfalls. These cartridges provide essential smoke screening capabilities for maneuver and concealment during operations. Procurement will replenish stocks and maintain readiness, with deliveries expected in early FY 2028.

The 81mm M879 Full Range Practice Cartridge (FRPC) and 81mm M889A4 High Explosive Cartridge requests both reflect decreases from the previous year due to inventory adjustments and changes in Marine Corps Force Design. The practice rounds support training, while the HE cartridges address operational requirements and utilize IMX-104 for enhanced safety. Funding also supports consolidation of cost elements for improved budget transparency.

The 81mm M821A4 High Explosive FRAG Cartridge request represents an increase to address current inventory shortfalls and to replenish stocks required for training and operational readiness. The production lead time means deliveries are expected in early FY 2031. This round, like other HE cartridges, is critical for the Marine Corps' ability to conduct effective indirect fire support.