State-of-the-art Mortar Tested by the Defense Forces

July 17 was a “historic day” for the Hungarian Defense Forces, as a live firing exercise with the Hirtenberger M12 mortar was held at the Bakonykúti shooting range (in western Hungary) to mark the end of five months of training. Sergeant Major Gábor Karkus told Honvedelem.hu that the Defense Forces got acquainted with this mortar in February, “after which the Austrian company’s trainers prepared the Hungarian soldiers who are now making their debut as operators’ trainers in an internal trainer program.”

The Sergeant Major said that “if you like, today is a historic day, because now the entire staff has been able to try out the device.” Captain Imre Máté noted: “We are staying here in East Bakony for five days, the live-fire exercise itself lasts two days.” He added that representatives of the Hirtenberger company were also present during the test days, with Austrian weapons technicians and engineers assisting the personnel.

Colonel Ferenc Huszár said that, in line with the terms of reference of the Chief of the Defense Staff, the field defense regiments started joint training with the operational military organizations this year, including the mortar training that started in May and is now coming to an end.

This is only the beginning of an exemplary cooperation: we will select and train additional reserve soldiers,”

he added.

Five years earlier, as part of the Defense and Military Development Program, the Hungarian state bought Lower Austria-based Hirtenberger Defense Systems (HDS), a 160-year-old manufacturer of mortars and mortar shells.

Previously, the Hungarian Defense Forces had been using 60 mm and 82 mm mortars, but the 120 mm version is an absolute novelty.

Sergeant Major Gábor Karkus recalled that the weapon’s base plate weighs 118 kilograms, its legs 52 and its barrel 95 kilograms, making it much heavier than any previous mortar. While the 60 mm and 82 mm mortars could be transported by three men, this one can only be transported by towing equipment,” explained Ferenc Huszár.

The Colonel also explained what a modern, high-tech fire support capability such as the M12 can do.

We can use it to destroy the enemy’s living force, destroy cover, open passages, destroy wire obstacles, light armored vehicles and transport vehicles. It has the advantage of being able to fire behind cover, thus it can be used to provide effective depth support for battalions,”

he noted, adding that it requires a crew of 4-5 operators.

The sight type is optical and digital, and 12-15 shots can be fired in a single minute. “The digital fire control system is based on a GPS system, bringing a significant change from the previous mortar use,” he added, pointing out that the M12 nevertheless consists of a launcher tube, bipod and base, just like all “classic” mortars.

Via Honvedelem.hu; Featured image: Honvedelem.hu