Ukraine received Alakran self-propelled mortars based on VAMTAC
22 November, 2024 Alakran 120-mm mortar based on the VAMTAC armored vehicle of the Ukrainian military. November, 2024. Ukraine.
Photo credits: 210th Assault Regiment The Ukrainian Defense Forces have received Alakran 120mm mortar systems based on the VAMTAC armored vehicles. The vehicles were delivered to the 210th Assault Regiment.
The military is currently actively training to operate them. "We practiced rapid deployment and landing of the crew, as well as the effectiveness of firing on targets," the regiment said.
Alakran 120-mm mortar based on the VAMTAC armored vehicle of the Ukrainian military. November, 2024. Ukraine.
Photo credits: 210th Assault Regiment
These self-propelled mortars are being developed by the British-Spanish company Milanion NTGS. Milanion NTGS was established as a new independent joint venture between UK-based Milanion Technologies and Spain-based New Technologies Global Systems (NTGS).
Alakran 120-mm mortar based on the VAMTAC armored vehicle of the Ukrainian military. November, 2024. Ukraine.
Photo credits: 210th Assault Regiment
The joint venture has developed the Alakran mortar system, which provides significant advantages in "shoot and run" tactics. The system provides rapid deployment capabilities that allow for a quick and effective response to changing mission requirements, combining exceptional mobility with high accuracy. The company also manufactures 120mm mortar rounds for its Alakran system.
"Although our mortar rounds can be used in a variety of smoothbore mortar systems, they are best used with the ALAKRAN, as both the weapon and the ammunition were developed as a single system," the company stated. The range of these mines is stated to be 8200 meters.
120 mm mortar rounds by Milanion NTGS for the Alakran mortar system
The patented Alakran has a barrel cooling system that allows for continuous rapid fire without time limits. Due to the patented double base plate, the Alakran transfers all the force of the recoil to the ground, ensuring accuracy and operator safety.
VAMTAC
It is possible that self-propelled mortars based on VAMTAC armored vehicles were supplied to Ukraine by the Spanish government. In October, it was reported that Spain had confirmed the supply of VAMTAC armored vehicles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The VAMTAC is very similar to the U.S. Army's High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), as it was built to similar specifications. The vehicle weighs 5.8 tons and can carry up to 2.5 tons of payload.
Alakran 120-mm mortar based on the VAMTAC armored vehicle of the Ukrainian military. November, 2024. Ukraine.
Photo credits: 210th Assault Regiment
The VAMTAC all-wheel-drive multi-purpose vehicle is equipped with a 188-horsepower Steyr engine, which allows it to reach a maximum speed of 135 km/h.
From its launch to the present day, VAMTAC has evolved, particularly in terms of design and security, but has retained its core specifications.