The operational demands placed upon modern indirect fire support units—exemplified by the heavy mortar teams of the Dutch 11th Airmobile Brigade—underscore an acute necessity for rapid mobility, operational responsiveness, high precision, and unyielding field reliability. Crucial to this capability are 120 mm mortar systems developed by leading defense primes such as Thales, which enable highly mobile forces to rapidly deploy, set up without delay, and deliver devastating organic fire support to frontline infantry in contested environments. However, the operational effectiveness of these high-angle weapon systems remains fundamentally tethered to aiming quality. In high-tempo engagements characterized by rapid position changes, compressed setup timelines, degraded operational conditions, and stringent day-and-night visibility constraints, military operators require robust and intuitive laying instruments capable of providing exacting angular accuracy across every phase of the firing sequence.
To address these demanding field requirements, French optics and optronics specialist Elynxo has fielded the GP2M—a double-plate aiming goniometer engineered specifically for 81 mm and 120 mm mortars, as well as artillery cannons up to 155 mm caliber. Designed to mount directly onto the dovetail bracket of the weapon system, the instrument remains attached throughout the entire firing sequence, allowing crews to execute seamless elevation and azimuth adjustments without disrupting the fluidity of tactical procedures. The GP2M F1 variant, originally developed to equip the French Armed Forces’ standard 81 mm LLR F1 mortar, features an infinity-set, parallax-free optical scope equipped with a custom reticle engraved with 10-mil cross graduations along the horizontal axis, reinforced vertically to optimize target acquisition in low-light environments. To ensure operational continuity around the clock, the system integrates a tritium-free illumination mechanism, enabling precise fire adjustments under complete darkness without exposing operators to hazardous radiological materials.
Ensuring survivability and consistent mechanical performance under real-world firing stresses is central to the GP2M’s operational profile. The goniometer has undergone extensive field qualification, demonstrating proven endurance across more than 2,500 live firings utilizing heavy 18.7 kg high-explosive ordnance. Available in two distinct configurations tailored to specific scope magnification needs and elevation movement ranges, the unit provides fine angle readings that allow gun crews to rapidly adjust lay, absorb harsh recoil dynamics, and maintain sight alignment without degradation. This structural resilience allows mortar sections to reduce overall engagement times and execute swift displacement maneuvers, directly mitigating the threat posed by enemy counter-battery capabilities while sustaining accurate fire on target.
Currently in active service with the French Armed Forces and multiple international export customers, the GP2M reflects a sophisticated synergy within the French defense industrial base, bridging specialized optronics SMEs like Elynxo with prime system integrators such as Thales. The solution aligns directly with international defense cooperation dynamics, offering allied operators a combat-proven, field-tested instrument capable of enhancing the speed, accuracy, and overall lethality of indirect fire assets. As expeditionary and airmobile forces worldwide place renewed emphasis on organic artillery capabilities, the GP2M continues to demonstrate its strategic value as an indispensable fire support enabler across both training regimes and high-intensity combat deployments.
