French Special Forces Select Spanish-Made Alakran 81 mm Mortar mounted on Polaris MRZR D4 Light Tactical Vehicle.

According to an article from the Spanish newspaper Infodefensa dated July 5, 2024, the French special forces have chosen the Alakran mortar from the Spanish company NTGS. This company showcased its portable mortar system integrated into the Polaris ATV at Eurosatory 2024.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

NTGS Alakran 81 mm Mortar mounted on Polaris MRZR D4 Light Tactical Vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Alakran mortar by the Spanish company NTGS has achieved a new success on the international market. The French special forces have opted for the MRZR D4 light vehicle from the American firm Polaris equipped with this mortar system. The ATV-type vehicle was presented with the Alakran at the latest edition of the Eurosatory, which was held in mid-June in Paris. The special operations forces specifically chose the 81 mm version. The Spanish company is responsible for the mortar deployment systems—the tube is from the French company Thales—, aiming, and command and control systems. The vehicle equipped with the Alakran mortar system is not yet officially in service, however, several units are currently undergoing homologation.

The Alakran is in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Spanish company has so far supplied about thirty units on two platforms: the locally manufactured BARS armored vehicle and the Toyota Land Cruiser pick-up. In both cases, the chosen version is the 120 mm. NTGS even has facilities on Ukrainian soil for maintenance and personnel training in handling its mortar system. The company also has a factory in India, a country that has also recently acquired the Alakran.

The Polaris MRZR 4 is a modular and agile off-road vehicle designed for military and tactical applications. It features a tubular frame and a conventional layout with the engine located in the front, crew seats in the middle, and a cargo compartment at the rear. The roll cage can be collapsed without tools to reduce the vehicle's height, enhancing its transportability.

Capable of seating four troops, the MRZR 4 can accommodate up to six infantrymen with optional rearward-facing seats on the cargo bed. The modular cargo section at the rear supports the installation of seats/litters, providing flexibility for various mission requirements. The vehicle is equipped with four-point harnesses with quick-release latches for occupant safety, and the roof can be optionally fitted with a soft cover.

NTGS Alakran 81 mm Mortar mounted on Polaris MRZR D4 Light Tactical Vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The MRZR 4 LTATV is equipped with forward and rear bumpers, a full poly under-body skid plate, and aircraft tie-downs for secure transport. It can be attached with an off-road trailer to increase payload capacity. Tactical equipment includes infrared lights, a cargo plate, a tactical seat, a jerry can holder, and a spare tire holder, enhancing its operational versatility and effectiveness in challenging environments.

The MRZR series comprises lightweight, highly maneuverable all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) produced by Polaris Defense, a division of Polaris Industries. Tailored for military and special operations applications, these vehicles are renowned for their ruggedness, versatility, and off-road prowess, rendering them suitable for diverse missions in various environments.

The Alakran mortar can shoot 8 rounds and leave the location in less than 2 minutes. The Alakran ‘S’ is equipped with its own Fire Control System (FCS), using GIS Technology and new functions such as Zonal Shooting and Multiple Rounds. Additionally, electro-mechanical engines provide automatic, fast and accurate aiming.

With automatic aiming and re-aiming functions, Alakran provides 81 and 120 mm mortars capabilities while transmitting the recoil force to the ground. The system is user-friendly and can easily be integrated into almost any 4×4 vehicle with the ability to adapt to all types of terrain including deserts, mud, snow, and forests, and is heliborne-capable due to its lightweight design.

 Polaris MRZR D4 Light Tactical Vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)