Estonia orders Israeli mortars
Spear Mk II 120mm mortar system. (Photo: Elbit Systems)
Elbit is providing 120mm mortar systems plus lifecycle support for Estonia.
The Estonian National Defense Investment Centre has ordered 120mm mortars from sole bidder Elbit Systems of Israel, under a framework agreement worth up to €15 million ($17.27 million).
The contract was awarded on 30 September but it was formally announced on the EU contracts database on 10 November.
As well as an undisclosed number of 120mm mortar systems, Elbit will also provide lifecycle support for the Estonian Army.
Elbit produces two types of crew-served towable 120mm mortar, either of which can be operated with a light handheld fire-control system.
Shephard reported in late October that the 2022 Estonian defence budget allocates funding to procure 4x4 vehicles. A potential candidate is the Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, which can function as a self-propelled mortar carrier when fitted with the Elbit Spear 120mm crew-served system.
Elbit also produces the 120mm Cardom autonomous self-propelled recoiling mortar with auto-laying capabilities.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Dedicated drone munitions could unlock modular mission potential]()
Dedicated drone munitions could unlock modular mission potential
Top attacks have proven effective against heavily armoured vehicles in Ukraine. A new family of uncrewed aerial system-delivered munitions is looking to press that advantage further.
-
![Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles]()
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
