The Alakran mortar system by Spanish company NTGS has made significant strides in the international defense market, with the latest success being its selection by the French special forces. They have chosen the MRZR D4 light vehicle from American firm Polaris, equipped with the Alakran 81 mm mortar system. This combination was showcased at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris in mid-June. Although not yet officially in service, several units are currently undergoing homologation.
The Alakran mortar system, featuring a mortar tube from the French company Thales and deployment, aiming, and command and control systems by NTGS, is already in use with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In Ukraine, approximately thirty units have been deployed on platforms such as the locally manufactured BARS armored vehicle and the Toyota Land Cruiser pick-up, using the 120 mm version. NTGS has established facilities in Ukraine for maintenance and personnel training and also has a manufacturing plant in India, which has also recently acquired the Alakran.
The Polaris MRZR D4 is a modular, agile off-road vehicle designed for military and tactical operations. It features a robust tubular frame, a front-located engine, crew seats in the middle, and a rear cargo compartment. The roll cage can be collapsed without tools to enhance transportability. The MRZR D4 seats four troops but can accommodate up to six infantrymen with optional rear-facing seats on the cargo bed. It also includes four-point harnesses for safety, optional soft cover for the roof, forward and rear bumpers, a full poly under-body skid plate, and aircraft tie-downs for secure transport. The vehicle can be equipped with tactical gear such as infrared lights, a cargo plate, a tactical seat, a jerry can holder, and a spare tire holder, enhancing its versatility.
The MRZR series, produced by Polaris Defense, is known for its lightweight, maneuverable design suitable for various military missions. Its ruggedness and off-road capabilities make it ideal for diverse environments.
The Alakran mortar system can fire 8 rounds and relocate in under 2 minutes. The Alakran ‘S’ version is equipped with its own Fire Control System (FCS) using GIS technology, offering features like Zonal Shooting and Multiple Rounds. It also includes electro-mechanical engines for fast and precise aiming. The system is user-friendly, adaptable to nearly any 4×4 vehicle, and capable of operating in terrains such as deserts, mud, snow, and forests. Its lightweight design allows for air transportation.
The integration of the Alakran mortar system with the Polaris MRZR D4 provides the French special forces with a highly mobile and versatile platform, enhancing their operational capabilities in various environments.
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