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US Army Partners with Leonardo DRS to Modernize Mortars with Advanced Fire Control Systems.
On January 13, 2025, Leonardo DRS announced it had been awarded a contract valued at over $99 million to supply next-generation mortar fire control systems to the U.S. Army. The agreement, structured as a fixed-price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, is part of a broader initiative to enhance the Army's mortar capabilities in response to the increasing complexity of modern, networked combat scenarios.
The system integrates a high-precision pointing device, enabling accurate targeting, an inertial navigation system for precise weapon positioning, and robust digital communication capabilities to facilitate seamless coordination (Picture source: US DoD)
The scope of the contract includes both the production and delivery of fire control systems and deployment services, ensuring that these advanced systems are seamlessly integrated into the Army's existing mortar operations. The primary aim of the Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) is to significantly enhance the speed, precision, and operational efficiency of mortar units, ensuring they remain effective in rapidly evolving combat environments.
At the heart of the MFCS lies a suite of sophisticated technologies that elevate its functionality beyond traditional fire control systems. The system integrates a high-precision pointing device, enabling accurate targeting, an inertial navigation system for precise weapon positioning, and robust digital communication capabilities to facilitate seamless coordination. These components are housed in a ruggedized fire control computer, designed to withstand harsh battlefield conditions while maintaining optimal performance.
One of the key features of the MFCS is its ability to process and exchange digital fire control messages in real-time. This functionality allows mortar teams to coordinate with other units more effectively, accelerating decision-making processes and reducing response times. Additionally, the system's advanced ballistic calculation capabilities enable it to accurately compute trajectories, ensuring that each round fired achieves its intended impact.
Dennis Crumley, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Electronics division, underscored the company's qualifications for this program. He pointed to Leonardo DRS's extensive experience in developing durable and connected computing systems for the U.S. Army as a critical factor in securing the contract. Crumley also emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Army’s modernization goals by providing systems that enhance operational capabilities and improve overall battlefield effectiveness.
Leonardo DRS has identified networked computing as a cornerstone of its strategic initiatives, particularly in the context of C5 (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Cyber) technologies. These technologies are pivotal in multi-domain battlefield operations, where the ability to process and disseminate data rapidly can determine mission outcomes. By advancing its C5 capabilities, Leonardo DRS is helping to ensure that the Army can maintain situational awareness, improve targeting precision, and streamline command and control processes.
In addition to its work on the MFCS, Leonardo DRS is actively investing in the development of future-ready technologies. These include tactical computing systems and solutions that leverage artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency. The company’s modular systems, which are designed in compliance with CMOSS (C5ISR/EW Modular Open Suite of Standards) and SOSA (Sensor Open Systems Architecture) standards, aim to improve sensor integration, increase battlefield awareness, and reduce the cognitive burden on soldiers and commanders. Such innovations are aligned with the Department of Defense's broader objectives to create adaptable, interoperable, and resilient systems that can meet emerging threats.
The MFCS program is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Army’s operational capabilities. By modernizing its mortar fire control systems, the Army not only improves the effectiveness of its indirect fire support but also enhances the interoperability of its units in joint and coalition operations. The digital capabilities embedded within the MFCS allow for greater synchronization between mortar teams and other combat elements, creating a more cohesive and efficient force.
This $99 million contract reinforces Leonardo DRS’s position as a key industry partner in the Army’s transformation efforts. By integrating advanced technologies into its systems, the company is contributing to a broader strategy of leveraging innovation to maintain technological superiority on the battlefield. The MFCS represents a critical step in this direction, providing the Army with a cutting-edge tool designed to meet the demands of contemporary and future combat scenarios. As the program progresses, it is likely to serve as a benchmark for future modernization efforts across other domains of the armed forces.