Slovakia has signed a framework agreement with Azerbaijan for the delivery of its domestically developed SAM-120 self-propelled mortar system, marking a major export success for the Slovak defense industry. The agreement was concluded during the World Defense Show in Riyadh between Slovakia’s state-owned company ZŤS Špeciál and Azerbaijan’s Iglin Scientific Production Enterprise, reflecting expanding defense cooperation and Azerbaijan’s ongoing military modernization efforts. Details of the configuration ordered by Azerbaijan have not been disclosed. When shown at exhibitions, the AM120 has been mounted on a Tatra Force 815-7 (6×6) chassis.
The deal covers an initial delivery of 96 SAM-120 systems, with options that could increase total procurement to up to 300 units depending on Azerbaijan’s operational requirements. The initial contract is valued at approximately €210 million (USD 249 million), with production scheduled to begin immediately. Slovak defense authorities plan to present the first completed system to Azerbaijani armed forces representatives at a defense exhibition in Baku in autumn 2026. Both sides are also expected to discuss licensing arrangements and potential technology transfer enabling partial or full local production in Azerbaijan. Industry officials described the agreement as likely the largest contract in ZŤS Špeciál’s history.
Introduced in 2024, the SAM-120 is a fully automated 120 mm turreted mortar designed for indirect fire missions against enemy personnel, equipment, and fortified positions such as trenches and light shelters. The system incorporates a 35-round automated magazine capable of sustaining a firing rate of up to 20 rounds per minute, with an operational range from 504 meters to approximately 8.2 kilometers. Mounted on modular 4×4 or 6×6 wheeled platforms, the turret provides full 360-degree azimuth coverage while firing operations are primarily conducted remotely from a protected vehicle cabin to enhance crew survivability.
Operated by a crew of two to four personnel, the system also includes a manual backup firing mode directly from the turret. The mortar is integrated with the LANSYS AM120 fire control system, enabling automated targeting and ballistic computation, while elevation angles between 40 and 80 degrees support high-angle indirect fire suitable for complex terrain and urban environments. Slovak officials stated the agreement represents a significant boost to confidence in the country’s defense industry and positions Slovakia as an increasingly competitive supplier in the global automated artillery market.
