British Army tests new GDAMS 120mm mortar on Jackal tactical vehicle for indirect fire support.

In December 2024, Babcock, in collaboration with ST Engineering and Supacat, conducted a firepower demonstration of the 120mm Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar System (GDAMS) mounted on the Supacat Jackal high-mobility transporter in South Africa’s Northern Cape. The demonstration was aimed at showcasing the system’s capabilities to potential UK customers, and the GDAMS fired conventional, smoke, and precision munitions, achieving a three-round grouping of 1.1 meters at a range of 5.5 kilometers.
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The 120mm GDAMS is adaptable to various vehicle platforms, including the Jackal, Coyote, and Foxhound, as well as lightweight commercial vehicles. (Picture source: Babcock and ST Engineering)

This event followed the official unveiling of the Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar System (GDAMS) at the Defence Vehicle Demonstration (DVD) 2024, held at Millbrook in September. Developed jointly by Babcock and ST Engineering, the 120mm GDAMS is a vehicle-mounted mortar system designed to address the UK Armed Forces’ requirements for modernized indirect fire solutions. Production is planned at Babcock’s Devonport facility in Plymouth, incorporating a UK supply chain. The project includes re-establishing domestic barrel manufacturing in partnership with Perfect Bore in Andover. If selected for the UK’s indirect fires program, it is expected to create 70 skilled roles locally and contribute economic benefits to the South-West region.

This new mortar system incorporates advanced fire control and targeting mechanisms that enable rapid adjustments and includes a patented blast diffuser to reduce noise exposure. It supports both drop-fire and lanyard-pull firing modes and can transition between deployment and stowage in 15 seconds. The 120mm GDAMS is adaptable to various vehicle platforms, including the Jackal, Coyote, and Foxhound, as well as lightweight commercial vehicles. Its platform-agnostic design ensures compatibility with existing systems and supports a range of munitions, including high explosive, illumination, infrared-illuminated, and smoke rounds. It also offers precision and extended range capabilities up to 9 kilometers. The system integrates digital fire control for quicker, more accurate targeting and mission execution while reducing human error.

The GDAMS’ lightweight and modular construction enables rapid deployment in high-tempo operations. Its blast diffuser minimizes noise and gas exposure, enhancing crew safety. The system can fire up to 15 rounds per minute for three minutes, with sustained operations at four rounds per minute. Additionally, GDAMS supports integration with 81mm barrels, further increasing its operational flexibility.

Production at Babcock’s Devonport facility, located in the South Devon Freeport Zone, is intended to support export opportunities and align with the UK’s Land Industrial Strategy. The collaboration combines Babcock’s production capabilities with ST Engineering’s expertise in mortar technology, ensuring the GDAMS is tailored to UK defense needs while remaining competitive internationally. The initiative also aims to upskill the local workforce through Babcock’s skills-based work academy program.

The Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar System (GDAMS) can fire up to 15 rounds per minute for three minutes, with sustained operations at four rounds per minute. (Picture source: Babcock and ST Engineering)

The Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar System (GDAMS) was initially presented by ST Engineering at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2023 event in London. The system’s design includes a hinged barrel that transitions to firing position in under 25 seconds, using a baseplate to absorb recoil forces. This feature allows integration on lightweight vehicles without significant strain. At DSEI, GDAMS was displayed on a commercial 4×4 vehicle, emphasizing its modularity and compatibility with both 120mm and 81mm barrels.

The GDAMS has undergone extensive testing and is aligned with the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Mobility Programme. It is intended to replace the 105mm L118 Light Guns, offering lightweight, digitally integrated solutions for indirect fire. The system’s advanced fire control integrates with command-and-control systems, reducing sensor-to-shooter time and improving battlefield responsiveness. Its “shoot-and-scoot” capability allows rapid repositioning, minimizing exposure to counter-battery fire.

ST Engineering has highlighted the export potential of the GDAMS, identifying markets such as Saudi Arabia and other allied nations. The system’s features include AI integration and automation, making it suitable for modern military requirements. The collaboration between Babcock and ST Engineering ensures sovereign production and focuses on precision, modularity, and operational efficiency. GDAMS reflects broader trends in modular and digitally enabled mortar systems, aiming to meet the evolving needs of contemporary armed forces.

The system integrates with battalion battle management systems, reducing sensor-to-shooter time. During operation, actuators transition the mortar to its firing position, and the baseplate absorbs recoil forces. This design supports rapid deployment and a firing rate of 16 rounds per minute for three minutes. The system’s modular architecture accommodates manual, electronic, and smart fuzes, enhancing its flexibility for various mission profiles. The advanced blast diffuser improves safety, making GDAMS a practical choice for indirect fire in high-intensity environments.

By combining Babcock’s manufacturing expertise with ST Engineering’s technical knowledge, GDAMS is positioned as a next-generation solution for indirect fires. The system aligns with the UK’s defense strategies, offering a comprehensive approach to production, support, and training for both domestic and international users.