ARMAMENTS

According to local media, the Israeli company Elbit Systems has allegedly delivered to the Philippine Army 15 M113A2 armored mortar carriers with the 120 mm Soltam Cardom Recoil Mortar System.

The agreement also provides for Combat Management Systems (CMS) and remote-controlled weapon systems (RCWS).

The delivery of the 120 mm mortar systems coincided with the recent delivery of the ATMOS self-propelled systems, also manufactured by Elbit.

Also read: Philippines | Acquisition of Israeli ATMOS self-propelled howitzers

The 120 mm SOLTAM CARDOM (Computerized Autonomous Recoil Rapid Deployment Outrange Mortar) system has a range of 7,000 meters and a maximum firing rate of 16 rounds per minute, while it can be used in “shoot and scoot” tactics and operated by two or four crewmen.

The deal also includes Elbit’s Combat NG Battlefield Management System, which is already in use with the Philippine Army. The Combat NG is a command, control, communications, and intelligence (C3I) system designed to improve the artillery and air defence unit’s capability of engaging targets by improving its target engagement speed and accuracy, providing real-time situational awareness and coordination capability with other forces.

Elbit Systems is also expected to provide conversion of 120 mm barrels for five 81 mm Cardom autonomous recoil mortar systems. The 81mm mortars are part of the Philippine Army’s M113 Firepower Upgrade project that also includes the acquisition of 44 remote-controlled weapon systems (RCWS) for the Philippine Army’s fleet of M113A2 armored vehicles.

The 120 mm mortars, as well as the ATMOS, were acquired within the framework of the Revised AFP Modernization Program. The value of the intergovernmental agreement (G2G) between the Philippines and Israel on mortars is estimated at about $ 20 million. 

Also read:  120 mm RT61 Mortars | The heavy mortars of the National Guard