Elbit wins first order for export version of Crossbow unmanned turret
The Crossbow has a maximum rate of 10 rounds per minute. (Photo: Elbit Systems)
At DSEI 2023 Elbit Systems unveiled a lightweight export model of its Crossbow 120mm mortar system being developed for the Israel Defense Forces.
Elbit Systems will supply Crossbow unmanned turreted 120mm soft recoil mortar systems to General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) for installation on Pandur 6×6 APC for an undisclosed European customer.
The contract is worth approximately US$53 million with work to be completed before the end of the decade and it is the first sale of the export version of Crossbow Light Mortar Turret (LMT) since it was unveiled at the DSEI exhibition in September 2023.
Crossbow LMT is a modified version of the platform being developed for the Israel Defense Forces and features a 3m-long 120mm forged smoothbore barrel and fitted with a vertical sliding breech mechanism with a 7.62mm machine gun mounted co-axial to the right and the sighting system on the left.
Related Articles
Elbit prepares Crossbow 120 mm mortar for firing trials and export sales
DSEI 2023: Elbit exhibits export version of Crossbow mortar turret
Austria trebles Pandur EVO 6x6 fleet via $1.9 billion order
It has a maximum rate of 10 rounds per minute with a sustained rate of fire of six rounds per minute. The system can fire a variety of NATO 120mm smooth bore mortar ammunition, including the Iron Sting guided mortar munition, providing an effective indirect fire range of up to 10km.
While the operator country has not been disclosed it is possible it is Austria which has placed three orders with GDELS for Pandur Evo 6x6 APCs. In 2016 the Austrian MoD announced that it had signed a contract for 34 Evos and in 2021 ordered 30 more vehicles.
In October 2022, the Austrian MoD awarded another contract to GDELS, bringing the total number of orders to 100 and it is possible the newest vehicles may be those fitted with Crossbow LMT.
Early in 2024 GDELS Austria (Steyr) were awarded a EUR1.2 billion (US$1.9 billion) contract for an additional 225 Pandur Evo in eight variants including one variant with Rheinmetall Air Defence 30mm SkyRanger air defence systems.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Pandur Evo (Second Batch) [Austria]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
-
![US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica]()
US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
-
![As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?]()
As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
-
![Does the increase in US firepower in the Middle East indicate another Iran strike?]()
Does the increase in US firepower in the Middle East indicate another Iran strike?
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
