The Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA) has taken a significant step in bolstering its light infantry capabilities by reactivating the MO-120 RT 120 mm mortars within its 11th Airmobile Brigade. The move, which marks the return of these heavy indirect fire systems after a 13-year hiatus, underscores the RNLA’s commitment to enhancing the brigade’s organic striking power and operational independence. The reactivation ceremony took place at the RNLA’s artillery firing range in ‘t Harde, where the first mortar round was fired to officially mark the system’s return to service. The 11th Airmobile Brigade now fields two mortar platoons: one attached to the 11th Infantry Battalion in Schaarsbergen and another to the 13th Infantry Battalion in Assen. These units existed prior to their disbandment in 2010 due to budget constraints but have been reconstituted to address evolving operational requirements. The decision to reintroduce the 120 mm mortars aligns with the brigade’s mandate as a rapid-response light infantry force capable of conducting air assault operations. Historically reliant on external air support—such as Apache attack helicopters—the brigade lacked organic heavy fire support for engaging enemies at extended ranges.
Key Features of the MO-120 RT Mortar
Manufactured by France’s Thales Group, the MO-120 RT is a towed, rifled heavy mortar designed for high precision and extended range. It fires standard 120 mm rounds with a maximum range of 8.2 km (5.1 mi), while its PRPA (Rocket-Assisted Projectile) variant extends this reach to an impressive 13 km (8.1 mi). Each mortar round reaches altitudes of up to 4,000 m (13,000 ft) and delivers a lethal blast radius of 76 m (249 ft), making it a formidable asset against fortified positions and dispersed enemy forces. Operators can deploy the weapon in two modes: free-fall firing, achieved by simply dropping the round into the tube, or controlled firing via a lanyard-triggered mechanism. This versatility ensures adaptability across various combat scenarios, from deliberate bombardments to rapid-response engagements.
Strategic Rationale Behind the Decision
The reactivation of the MO-120 RT addresses a long-standing gap in the RNLA’s arsenal. While the heavier 43rd Mechanised Brigade retains 81 mm mortars, the lighter and more agile 11th Airmobile Brigade required a system that could keep pace with its highly mobile operations. The 120 mm mortars offer several advantages:
- Increased Lethality: The MO-120 RT provides heavier firepower than smaller-caliber mortars, enabling the brigade to engage hardened targets and larger concentrations of enemy forces effectively.
- Enhanced Mobility: Designed for rapid deployment, the mortars can be transported by CH-47 Chinook helicopters, ensuring seamless integration with the brigade’s air mobility concept.
- Operational Independence: By possessing organic indirect fire support, the 11th Airmobile Brigade reduces its reliance on external assets like close air support, thereby improving response times and operational flexibility.
In preparation for future deployments, including a planned contribution of 600 troops to NATO’s air maneuver task force by 2027, the inclusion of the MO-120 RT ensures the brigade remains a potent and self-sufficient element within coalition operations.
Implications for Future Operations
As Europe faces increasingly complex security challenges, the RNLA’s investment in modernizing its light infantry units reflects broader trends among Western militaries prioritizing rapid reaction forces. The 11th Airmobile Brigade, renowned for its speed and agility, plays a pivotal role in crisis response missions, ranging from humanitarian interventions to high-intensity conflicts. The reactivation of the 120 mm mortars not only strengthens the brigade’s combat effectiveness but also reinforces the Netherlands’ contributions to multinational defense efforts. Moreover, the MO-120 RT’s compatibility with existing NATO munitions and logistics frameworks simplifies interoperability during joint operations. Its proven track record in over 24 countries further validates its reliability and performance under diverse conditions. By restoring organic heavy fire support, the brigade achieves greater operational resilience and tactical flexibility, positioning itself as a key component of both national and alliance-level defense strategies. As global uncertainties persist, such upgrades underscore the importance of maintaining adaptable and well-equipped expeditionary forces capable of meeting tomorrow’s threats head-on.
