Ukrainian military demonstrate training with the Scorpion self-propelled mortar
25 September, 2023 Alacran 120mm self-propelled mortar. Illustrative photo Video footage of Ukrainian artillerymen allegedly training with American Scorpion self-propelled mortars has been posted online.
The video was posted on social media. A 120mm mortar with ammunition mounted on the chassis of a modernized civilian Land Cruiser SUV was shown in a video of unidentified persons conducting training exercises. The people in the footage say "Fire" in Ukrainian, which can partially confirm the claimed news.
However, this is not enough to speak about the training of the Ukrainian military.
Scorpion/Alacran
The Scorpion is technically a localized version of the Spanish 120mm Alacran self-propelled mortar by Global Military Products.
The same system was once chosen for the Ukrainian Bars-8MMK mortar systems. The mortar system is equipped with a fully digital fire control system that provides automatic aiming and re-aiming after each shot, ensuring a deviation of up to 2 meters per 1 km. The strong point of the system is its high mobility.
The system can be deployed in just 30 seconds, and after firing, the crew can leave the position in under 20 seconds. The wheeled base allows for a quick change of positions on its own. The mortar is capable of firing at a maximum distance of 8 kilometers with a rate of fire of up to 12 rounds.
Global Military Products
It is worth noting that this is not the first time that the American private company Global Military Products has appeared in the news related to Ukraine and its war against Russia. Previously, it was through this company that the United States purchased Jordanian Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems for Ukraine. The deal was worth £118 million.
The company was also one of the contractors of a half-billion dollar US arms contract for Ukraine.
It is also known that the company was engaged in the purchase of Soviet-caliber artillery ammunition in Bulgaria.