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Slovak AM120 Self-Propelled Mortar Debuts at IDEX 2025.
At the IDEX 2025 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, the Slovak defense industry is showcasing its innovative AM120 self-propelled mortar, a cutting-edge platform that combines advanced automation, firepower, and mobility. Developed by ZTS Špecial in collaboration with key regional partners, the AM120 represents a significant step forward in modern indirect fire support systems.
Mounted on a Tatra 815-7 6×6 chassis, the AM120 is designed for rapid deployment in demanding operational environments. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Mounted on a Tatra 815-7 6×6 chassis, the AM120 is designed for rapid deployment in demanding operational environments. Its robust design features a Puma L2 Long armored cabin that provides enhanced crew protection, ensuring safety in combat scenarios. The self-propelled mortar system integrates an automated turret that allows remote operation from within the vehicle's cab, with a backup operator station incorporated into the turret for redundancy. This feature allows for efficient fire control without requiring the crew to leave the safety of the vehicle, even in hostile conditions.
The AM120’s firepower is another notable aspect of its design. Armed with a 120mm mortar, the system can fire at targets with a minimum effective range of 504 meters, extending to a maximum range of 8,600 meters. The system’s automated loading mechanism allows for an impressive firing rate of 18 to 20 rounds per minute, ensuring sustained fire support during combat operations. With an onboard carousel that can carry up to 60 rounds, the AM120 is capable of maintaining operational readiness without requiring frequent resupply.
Flexibility and precision are key to the AM120’s capabilities. Its mortar offers an elevation range of 40° to 80°, with a full 360° traverse capability, enabling the system to adapt to diverse targeting scenarios. The integration of a fire control system from Slovak company Kerametal ensures accurate targeting and operational reliability, making the AM120 a formidable asset for modern forces.
The development of the AM120 is the result of collaboration among several prominent defense firms. Czechoslovak Group (CSG) contributed to the design by supplying the chassis and armored cab, while initially considering the integration of the system onto the Pandur 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle. However, the Tatra 6×6 platform was ultimately chosen, offering a superior balance of mobility and payload capacity, essential for modern battlefield operations.
The AM120 is expected to attract interest from international defense buyers looking for a versatile, mobile, and cost-effective indirect fire solution. Priced between $1.5 million and $2 million per unit, it offers a competitive blend of performance, automation, and affordability, making it an attractive option for forces seeking to enhance their fire support capabilities.
As military operations evolve, platforms like the AM120 are set to play an increasingly vital role in delivering mobile, precise, and sustained indirect fire, reinforcing the importance of modern self-propelled mortars in contemporary defense strategies.