IDF to equip reserve infantry with self-propelled mortars
Alon Ben-David JDW Correspondent
Tel Aviv
Date Posted: 15-Apr-2009
The Israel Defence Force (IDF) is to equip all of its reserve infantry battalions with Soltam Systems' 120 mm Computerised Autonomous Recoil rapid Deployed Outrange Mortars (CARDOMs), following their successful deployment by the regular infantry during the December 2008 offensive in Gaza.
The four IDF regular infantry brigades currently operate 64 self-propelled 120 mm mortars, dubbed 'Keshet' (Bow), which replaced static 81 mm mortars.
"The idea was to provide each infantry battalion with its own accurate artillery support and decrease their dependence on support from other units," Brigadier General Yossi Bachar, IDF Chief Infantry Officer, told Jane's . "The fighting in Gaza was the first time that we tested the Keshet in combat and its performance was remarkable."
Installed in the rear of a BAE Systems Ground Systems Division M113A3 full-tracked armoured personnel carrier (APC), the turntable-mounted 120 mm mortar is equipped with a computerised inertial navigation and aiming system, which computes the target co-ordinates and then lays the weapon onto the target.
Its maximum range using conventional ammunition is 7,200 m, while the rate of fire is between 12 and 15 rounds per minute. With extended-range ammunition, range can be increased to 9,500 m.
During operation 'Cast Lead', the IDF fired thousands of 120 mm shells against targets in the densely populated area of the Gaza Strip. "The new mortars have negated the need to use heavier artillery, which is less suitable for urban scenarios," David Marciano, Soltam's chief executive officer, told Jane's .
The initial batch of Keshet systems was supplied to the IDF under a USD70 million contract signed in 2004. A contract for the procurement of additional systems will be awarded before the end of 2009.