Guided mortars used by IDF to be marketed at Brazil defense exhibition
IMI's Guided Mortar Munition can be guided by laser or GPS systems, has a range of 8 kilometers.
By YAAKOV LAPPINIMI to display new guided mortars at Brazil defense exhibition(photo credit: IMI)
Israel Military Industries will display its Guided Mortar Munition – which is already in service in the IDF – at an international defense exhibition in Brazil this week.The mortars can be guided by laser or GPS.The LAAD Defense and Security exhibition will take place from April 14 to 17 in Rio de Janeiro, and will see IMI showcase the guided mortars, developed in response to operational requirements of the IDF and foreign military customers, IMI said.The munition has a blast-hardened, miniaturized guidance system, dubbed Purple Heart, which carries out real-time computing and control.“Pure Heart can be integrated in almost any aerialor surface-launched weapon,” IMI said. The guided munitions can be fired at targets in open or built-up areas, and have a range of 8 kilometers.The mortar strikes targets with near-vertical trajectory, IMI added, “thus limiting the damage to the target itself, minimizing the risk to nearby friendly forces or noncombatants. Having fewer rounds of ammunition also minimizes the logistical tail.”Guided Mortar Munition is compatible with modern 120 mm. mortars that can be found in most of the world’s armies. The mortars can also be equipped with fuses that will result in detonation in the air, upon impact, or for a delayed blast.Eighteen Israeli defense companies will showcase products in Rio de Janeiro this month.According to SIBAT – the Defense Ministry’s International Defense Cooperation authority – the size of the Israeli pavilion reflects the “importance of the Latin American market” to Israeli defense industries.SIBAT director Brig.-Gen.
(res.) Mishel Ben Baruch said last week that the exhibition will be “a major event that brings together developers and exhibitors from around the world who are all focused on security and defense.We look forward to fruitful cooperation with Latin American countries in general, and Brazil in particular, regarding the wide range of solutions being presented at the Israel pavilion.”SIBAT said that Israeli technologies to go on display will include: “Image- Sat’s portable mini-terminal for real-time, ultrafast data downloading from earth observation satellites... Merkavim’s armored bus – the most protected in the world; VisionMap’s Airborne imaging system with 3D capabilities; Mistral’s advanced divers sonar systems; and Controp’s comprehensive airborne surveillance mission system for helicopters.”