The delivery was made by Israeli defence company Elbit Systems, which was the designated supplier under a Government-to-Government agreement signed in 2019 between the Philippines Department of National Defence (DND) and Israel’s Ministry of Defence for the delivery of 15 armoured mortar carriers worth PHP1.094 billion (US$21.88 million).
According to the Philippine defence website Philippine Defence Resource, the vehicles are outfitted with the Soltam Cardom 120mm Mounted Mortar System and Elbit’s Combat NG fire control and command capabilities.
The Cardom 120mm MMS is an autonomous, computerised system that four crew members can operate. It has an effective range of up to 7,000 metres and a maximum fire rate of 16 rounds per minute.
The Philippine Army already has five M125A2 armoured mortar carriages upgraded from existing M113A2 vehicles and delivered in 2019. However, these were armed with the Soltam Cardom 81mm MMS.
According to the Philippine defence website MaxDefense Philippines, Elbit System’s contract also involves the conversion of a Cardom 81mm MMS to a 120mm mortar by replacing the barrel.
