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Israel has approved the final phase of serial production of the Iron Sting mortar ammunition controlled by laser and GPS. Shortly before, the new ammunition from 120 mm Kardom mortar systems had been demonstrated in final tests and was able to prove its precision. The mortars were networked in a mortar system consisting of a Kardom mortar on M113 and a Kardom Javelin mortar on a Hummer 4×4 SUV.

Iron Sting is designed to precisely engage targets in both open terrain and urban environments, while reducing the possibility of collateral damage and preventing injury to non-combatants. Precision shots in the upper angle group typical of mortars showed a shot placement of the order of one meter.

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The guided mortar grenade, photo: Elbit

“This precision-guided mortar munition is a game-changer for IDF battalions, providing them with precise and organic firepower. “This capability was previously reserved only for large and complex missiles,” said Colonel Arik Avivi, head of the IDF Ground Forces Weapons Division, assessing the new capability.

End-pass guided projectiles are already in use in land and ship artillery. The US armed forces use Raytheon's Excalibur system for 155 mm projectiles. The first orders have been received for the Vulcano system from Leonardo and Diehl Defense for 127 mm and 155 mm projectiles.

Gerhard Heiming