IDEB 2024 : Slovak consortium present the new ZTS 120mm AM-120 automatic mortar.

During the IDEB, International Defense Exhibition in Bratislava, held from May 14 to 16 in Slovakia, predominantly Balkan industries are gathered. Significantly, the company ZTS Špecial is presenting the latest in its series of military vehicles, created in collaboration with its subsidiary Konstrukta Defence. The 120mm AM120 is mounted on a Tatra 815-7 6x6 chassis with a Puma L2 Long armored cabin.
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AM-120 displayed in IDEB 2024 (Picture source: X/@RyszardJonski)

The abbreviation 'AM' stands for Automatic Mortar and '120' refers to the caliber of the mortar.

The autonomous turret can be installed on various chassis types and is remotely controlled from the vehicle's cab. There is also a single backup operator station within the turret itself. The elevation range is 40° to 80°, and the traverse is 360°. The minimum range is 504 meters and the maximum is 8,600 meters. The ammunition carousel holds 60 rounds, with a firing rate of 18-20 rounds per minute.

The Slovak company Kerametal, which supplies the fire control system, and the Czech company Czechoslovak Group (CSG), responsible for providing the chassis and cabin, are also involved in the development. CSG initially planned to integrate the mortar onto the Pandur 8x8 it produces.

The price of this vehicle makes it highly attractive, costing only €1.5-2 million. This pricing opens purchasing prospects to Balkan countries and other nations with limited defense budgets in Europe and Asia.

ZTS Špecial, a major player in the Slovak defense industry, specializes in the development and manufacture of advanced weaponry and civil metal equipment such as deep drilling tools. The company draws on a long tradition of military engineering in Central Europe and has distinguished itself through innovation and its ability to meet the specific requirements of modern armed forces. Its products include a range of armored vehicles, artillery systems, and other specialized defense and security equipment.

In particular, ZTS Špecial is known for its close collaboration with other companies and defense organizations to integrate cutting-edge technologies into its systems, significantly enhancing the operational capacity of armies. With its focus on robustness, reliability, and innovation, ZTS Špecial continues to play a crucial role in bolstering the defensive capabilities of Slovakia and its international allies.

One of the elements that have contributed to ZTS's reputation is the DVK-30 turret, which equips the modernization of BMPs still in service in the national armies of the Balkans.