Dutch company Defenture designs Viper Light 120mm mortar carrier using Ukrainian combat experiences.

The Dutch special forces mobility specialist, Defenture, unveiled its latest vehicle, the Viper 120, at Eurosatory 2024—an innovative mortar carrier equipped with a 120mm mortar capable of firing on the move. This vehicle is specifically designed to enhance the mobility and survivability of fire support units in modern combat contexts.
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Defenture Viper Light 120mm Mortar Carrier Vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Military experts believe that the effectiveness of fire support forces largely depends on their ability to move quickly after opening fire, a concept often summarized by the term "shoot and scoot." Inspired by lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine, the Viper allows its operators to leave an exposed position in less than three minutes after firing, thus drastically reducing the risk of counterattacks.

The Defenture GRF vehicle is a tactical mobility platform designed to meet the stringent requirements of modern military operations. Fully air transportable, it can be loaded inside or underslung by helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook, thereby facilitating rapid and flexible deployment in the field. With its deep fording capability of 860mm and four-wheel steering system, the GRF offers exceptional maneuverability in various environments, from rugged terrains to compact urban areas. Its compliance with STANAG 4370 and AECTP 500 standards ensures proven resistance to electromagnetic interference, essential for operating near advanced electronic devices. Additionally, the vehicle's modularity allows for customization according to specific mission needs, including modular ballistic protection. This combination of transportability, robustness, and configurational flexibility makes the Defenture GRF a predominant choice for special forces and airborne units seeking a platform that can quickly adapt to the dynamic demands of modern combat.

The mobile mortar system integrated into the Defenture GRF vehicle is a cutting-edge solution designed to provide exceptional control and precision during battlefield operations. Thanks to its advanced fire control system, the system allows operators to effectively manage all phases of the firing mission. Crucial information such as targets, points of interest, and coordinates can be input via USB or directly on an interactive digital map, ensuring quick and accurate adaptation to changing battlefield conditions.

The system also takes into account weather conditions, which play a crucial role in aiming and ballistic calculations. Combined with the mortar's automatic deployment and retraction capabilities, these features enable rapid and precise actions, minimizing exposure time to enemy fire. Zonal shooting is another innovative feature that effectively covers defined sectors, thus optimizing the effectiveness of salvos and ammunition management. This integration of advanced technologies makes the Defenture GRF's mobile mortar system an indispensable tool for modern armed forces, significantly enhancing their ability to respond quickly and accurately in various combat situations.

The Viper incorporates a mortar system that, unlike traditional systems requiring fixed installation, is directly mounted on the vehicle. This system can be hydraulically deployed directly to the ground, allowing significant recoil forces to be transferred directly into the soil rather than the vehicle chassis, thereby extending its durability and reducing technical complexity.

This mortar system, developed in collaboration with Spanish company Escribano Mechanical & Engineering, can be mounted on any GRF chassis in a few hours without permanent modifications. This partnership illustrates Defenture's commitment to providing a customizable and tailored solution to armed forces, while maintaining a strong European footprint in the supply chain.

The Viper is armed with a Thales 2R2M mortar tube and can carry up to 20 rounds of 120mm mortar ammunition. It has a maximum range of 13 kilometers with enhanced range munitions, thus providing significant strike capability. Efficiency and speed are at the heart of the Viper's design: the weapon system can be ready to fire in 15 seconds and retracted just as quickly, allowing the vehicle to promptly leave the firing position.

Designed specifically to meet the needs of the Dutch armed forces, the Viper can also be configured to accommodate other 120mm or 81mm mortar systems, depending on customer requirements. This vehicle is not just a simple mortar carrier; it is an advanced mobility platform, built on the GRF chassis, which has already proven itself with the Dutch special forces and other international military units.

With its robust and versatile design, the Viper is engineered for modern combat operations, offering an unmatched combination of mobility, firepower, and operational safety. Its unveiling at Eurosatory marks a turning point for fire support technologies and promises to be a crucial asset for special forces and airborne units engaged in high-intensity operations worldwide.

Defenture Viper Light 120mm Mortar Carrier Vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)