Global Ordnance Exhibits Highly Mobile 81mm Scorpion Light Mortar System at AUSA 2024.

The SCORPION LIGHT mobile mortar system, manufactured by Milanion NTGS, is currently being showcased by Global Ordnance at the AUSA 2024 event, taking place from October 9 to 11 in Washington, D.C. Designed to meet the demands for high mobility and rapid firing capabilities, this system, also known as "Alakran" in other markets, adapts to various military platforms, from light vehicles to armored carriers. With a fully digital fire control system and automated features, the SCORPION LIGHT can quickly fire and reposition, ensuring optimal efficiency in demanding combat environments.
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Milanion NTGS Highly Mobile 81mm Scorpion Light Mortar System (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The SCORPION LIGHT system, an innovative artillery solution mounted on the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), is tailored for rapid mobility and precise fire support. Designed to carry a crew of four, the ISV measures 2071 x 81.75 x 73.9 inches, with a base vehicle weight of 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg). At the core of the SCORPION LIGHT is its compact mortar system, weighing 900 lbs (408 kg), which provides unmatched "shoot and scoot" capabilities, delivering up to eight rounds within a span of two minutes from a stationary position. This swift firing sequence minimizes exposure time, enhancing its survivability on the battlefield.

Equipped with a fully digital Fire Control System (FCS), the SCORPION LIGHT can seamlessly calculate ballistic solutions for various munitions by identifying its location and targeting coordinates. This automation allows operators to "wait for the green light" before each shot, simplifying the aiming process and reducing human error. The system can shoot off diverse surfaces, including concrete, tundra, and sand, thanks to its non-seating base plate, enabling deployment in various operational environments.

The SCORPION LIGHT’s FCS is designed to handle dynamic combat scenarios, allowing for pre-programmed targeting of up to 1,000 positions before deployment from headquarters. Additionally, it offers a substantial 72-round ammunition capacity (81mm), ensuring sustained firepower on the field. The FCS also supports automatic re-aiming within 3-5 seconds, enhancing its rapid response capability. This advanced fire control not only facilitates zonal firing but also enables multi-round and simultaneous impact strategies, which increase the system's lethality in suppressing enemy positions.

With a combined total weight of 5,900 lbs (2,676 kg) — excluding the barrel and ammunition — the SCORPION LIGHT exemplifies the evolution of mobile fire support solutions, providing militaries with a flexible, precise, and efficient indirect fire option. 

Lightweight and automated mortar systems like the SCORPION LIGHT are attracting global interest, with each country developing versions tailored to their specific military needs. For example, Israel’s “Iron Sting” mortar system provides precision strikes with minimal collateral damage, using 120mm guided munitions and advanced targeting technology. In the United States, the Army has been developing the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) mortar system to deliver rapid mobile fire support in modern combat settings. In Europe, France utilizes the 2R2M mortar system, mounted on armored vehicles and capable of deploying 120mm rounds with assisted fire control. Meanwhile, Germany’s Rheinmetall RMM system allows for quick deployment and enhanced effectiveness in urban or remote combat areas through similar automation and precise targeting.

The appeal of these mobile and automated artillery systems lies in their ability to provide rapid and effective fire support while minimizing troop exposure to enemy fire. The mobility and versatility of these systems meet the modern military’s demands for dynamic, asymmetrical interventions, particularly in urban environments and conflicts where maneuverability is crucial to avoid counterfire. These capabilities are especially valued by armed forces worldwide, as they bolster operational resilience and adaptability to evolving combat situations, making units more effective and better protected in the field.