ARMAMENTS

The French towed mortars 120 mm (MO-120 RT-61) of the National Guard constitute the heavy field mortars which complete together with the Greek-made mortars E-44 E 81 mm, the indirect-fire weapons arsenal of infantry units. 

They have been used by the National Guard for about 30 years and are undoubtedly an important and reliable organic means of supporting the Infantry on the battlefield.

The MO-120 RT-61 mortar (Mortier 120mm Raye Tracte Modele F1) is of French design by Thales and Thompson – Brandt and manufactured by Thompson – Brandt TDA Armaments. 

Several states have secured manufacturing licenses for the said system by means of consortium, including Turkey with MKEK, while the said mortars are used by the Turkish occupation forces in Cyprus.

MO-120 RT61 features:

• Rate of fire: 6-18 rounds per minute
• Option for automatic or controlled shot after loading the tube with projectiles 
• Effective firing range 8.1 mm. and 12.850 mm. (rocket-assisted projectiles (PRPA))
• Barrel Length: 2.8 meters
• Weight: 643 kg
• Elevation span: 30-85 degrees
• Crew: 4 people

The MO-120 RT 61 mortar of the National Guard is towed by an ACMAT 4×4 VLRA vehicle which is now part of Arquus Defense. 

Both the crew and the mortars ammunition board this vehicle. 

These mortars are considered a reliable system that has proven its value over time in a variety of exercises, while the specialised personnel operating them ensures their maximum efficiency. 

Also read: Exercise “LEON – RETURN” | Infantry offensive for defensive line breakdown – Photos