The U.S. Secretary of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Israel, involving the sale of M933A1 120mm High Explosive (HE) Mortar Cartridges and associated support services. The total estimated value of the deal stands at $61.1 million. This proposed sale underscores U.S. commitment to strengthening Israel’s defense capabilities and enhancing its ability to respond to current and future threats. Under this FMS package, Israel will receive 50,000 M933A1 120mm HE mortar cartridges equipped with M783 fuzes. These will be added to a previous case which included 400 similar cartridges, bringing the combined total to 50,400 units. The sale will also encompass technical publications, documentation, engineering services, and logistics support to ensure effective integration of the new equipment into Israel’s defense systems.
The transaction is expected to bolster Israel’s homeland defense and deterrence capabilities against regional threats. U.S. officials are confident that Israel will have no difficulty incorporating these munitions and associated services into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The principal contractor for this deal is General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Inc. (GD-OTS Canada), based in Quebec, Canada. The company has a strong track record of producing high-quality mortar components and propellants for the U.S. military, including for 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm mortar systems. GD-OTS Canada is known for its expertise in developing propellants that are clean-burning and flash-suppressed, ensuring minimal residue and enhanced efficiency during operations.
GD-OTS Canada produces M933A1 120mm High Explosive (HE) Mortar Cartridges for the U.S. Military and other State Department approved customers. The M933A1 Explosive Cartridges is designed for use with the M120 and M121 120mm Mortar Systems. These cartridges are designed to be effective against personnel, bunker, and light materiel targets, providing both blast and fragmentation effects. The high explosive steel projectiles are loaded with Comp B explosive. The M933A1 and M934A1 are similar with the exception of the fuzing. The M934A1 features the M734A1 Multi-Option Fuze, which can be set to function in Proximity, Near Surface Burst, Impact, or Delay Mode, while the M933A1 is fitted with the M783 Point Detonating Fuze.
In addition to manufacturing mortar propellants, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Inc. also produces various types of mortar bodies for the U.S. Army’s 120mm inventory. This includes the M934 High Explosive (HE) round, the M929 Smoke round, the XM930 Illumination round, and the M931 Full Range Training Round (FRTR). With facilities like the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant (SCAAP), GD-OTS has been a key player in supplying metal parts for various weapon systems since 1963, ensuring reliability and quality in every product it delivers. This sale marks another chapter in the close defense collaboration between the U.S. and Israel, reinforcing their shared strategic interests in the region.
