Babcock, in partnership with ST Engineering, a technology, defence and engineering Group, has unveiled its 120mm Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar System (GDAMS) at DVD 2024. Based on the world-leading technology of ST Engineering, the 120mm GDAMS is a vehicle-mounted, hinged mortar system developed to address the urgent requirement to enhance UK Armed Forces weaponry. The mortar system is a result of close collaboration between Babcock and ST Engineering, bringing together complementary skills, technologies and solutions to strengthen the next generation of UK’s close indirect fire weapon systems. By leveraging its platform-agnostic, modular and highly deployable features, GDAMS positions the UK at the forefront of next-generation, digitally enabled indirect fire systems. The GDAMS will be built at our production facility in Devonport, Plymouth, using a UK supply chain, making it the first UK-manufactured 120mm mortar systems in decades.
If selected for the UK in-direct fires programme, production of the 120mm GDAMS will deliver tangible benefits to the broader South West region, through the upskilling of existing workforce in Plymouth and certainty for the regional supply chain. Production will support UK sovereignty by leveraging a British supply chain, including the re-establishment of barrel manufacture in the UK through partnership with Perfect Bore, who bring exceptional pedigree in barrel manufacture. Establishing and operating the 120mm GDAMS production line will also create up to 70 new skilled Babcock roles locally. Based in the South Devon Freeport Zone, the production facility also supports future export opportunities from the UK, enabling better import terms for allied nations whilst simultaneously delivering social value and aligning with the UK’s Land Industrial Strategy.
Brigadier General (Ret) Jin Kiat Chua, Head of ST Engineering’s International Business, Defence and Public Security, said: “GDAMS is the pre-eminent tactical firing solution that pushes power to the edge and increases firepower. This collaboration combines ST Engineering’s extensive mortar expertise with Babcock’s production capabilities to deliver a sovereign solution that aligns with UK’s Land Industrial Strategy and enhances the combat effectiveness of the British Army. This partnership is underpinned by ST Engineering’s proven ability in delivering effective solutions, and a strong commitment to working with strong partners to co-create effective solutions that meet our customers’ needs.”
Tom Newman, Chief Executive of our Land sector, said: “The Babcock 120mm GDAMS can help support the modernisation of the British Army with increased firepower and at the same time increase availability, affordability and capability of the essential equipment.”
The 120mm GDAMS can be operated by a two-person crew and boasts rapid deployment and stowage times of just 15 seconds, providing unmatched mobility and responsiveness in high-tempo operations. The hinged mortar system is vehicle agnostic, allowing it to be mounted on various vehicles, including in-service platforms such as Jackal, Coyote and Foxhound. The 120mm GDAMS is compatible with a full suite of standard smoothbore munitions: high explosive, illumination, IR illuminated and smoke. It is capable of precision and extended range (9km) functionality with manual, electronic and smart fuzes, making it the ideal choice for any mission. The versatility of the 120mm GDAMS is complemented by advanced fire control and targeting systems that enhance accuracy, effectiveness and reduces the time to engage targets. The 120mm GDAMS also offers the patented blast diffuser to drastically reduce noise exposure, increasing stealth and crew safety. The fully digitalised communication system is both quicker for operators and reduces the risk of human error when manually inputting co-ordinates, leading to a shorter deployment time and more accurate adjustments.
