Spain defence and security company EXPAL Systems announced the joint development of an in-house guidance system for ballistic munitions with the Spanish Ministry of Defence. The company seeks to offer the armed forces ammunition with greater precision, in order to reduce collateral damage and achieve greater survivability thanks to efficiency in the mission. Another design objective that is sought is to achieve an improved anti-jamming capability. This development is beginning with 120 mm mortar ammunition, with the intent to make the technology available to 155 mm, the company said in a 10 March statement.
The first project, initiated in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Defense through the DGAM Coincident program, is a 120mm mortar grenade guidance system, scalable to 155mm. This system introduces improvements in the field of algorithm, electronics and mechanical strengthening compared to existing systems. Also, as a new requirement, the scalability towards the European positioning system Galileo stands out. The new system responds to the needs of equipment and material of the Army marked in the Spanish Land Force 2035 project.
EXPAL Systems leads the market in 60, 81 and 120mm mortar systems and ammunitions, which are in service in more than 10 European countries and in more than 35 all over the world. Specifically, in 81 mm mortars, the company has been awarded all the public offerings executed in Europe in the last 10 years. Their systems are present in key European countries such as Spain -both in the field and naval artillery-, Italy, Czech Republic, Belgium and Portugal. Outside Europe, last year, EXPAL has been awarded contracts to supply their mortar systems to the Morocco and Philippines’ armies.
EXPAL’s integrated proposal for mortars is envisioned for full adaptation to the client’s systems. It includes mortar systems of 60mm, 81mm and 120mm, the complete corresponding munition family, a 60/81mm mortar system on a light vehicle (EIMOS), fire support information systems (TECHFIRE), mini UAV for aerial reconnaissance (SHEPHERD-MIL), simulators to train troops (eSIMOX) and support systems to facilitate the troops’ mission in the battlefield (eCompax and MCounter).
