Pune: Can Indian forces deploy powerful mortar fire within moments, even in high-altitude terrain and extreme weather, without exposing soldiers to the risks of manually positioning artillery systems?
Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), the defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge, is advancing the development of its 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System, an indigenous vehicle-mounted solution designed to deliver rapid, mobile and protected fire support for the Indian Armed Forces and international customers.
The company has announced progress in its programme to develop the 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System (R.A.M.S), which integrates a mortar directly onto an agile 4×4 vehicle platform.
The system is being designed to provide mobile military units with rapid-response mortar firepower while supporting the changing operational requirements of modern warfare.
KSSL, a wholly owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, said the programme represents another step towards strengthening India’s defence capabilities and supporting the country’s commitment to self-reliance in advanced military technologies.
120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System Designed for Faster Deployment
Unlike conventional towed mortar systems that require crews to dismount and position the weapon before firing, the 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System integrates the mortar directly onto a vehicle platform.
This vehicle-mounted configuration is designed to allow military crews to transition from movement to firing positions within moments.
Following an engagement, the system can relocate quickly, reducing the time available for adversaries to detect and respond to its position.
By eliminating the need to dismount and manually emplace the mortar, the 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System aims to reduce crew exposure during operations while shortening the sensor-to-shooter cycle.
The system is being developed around three key operational requirements: faster response, greater battlefield mobility and improved crew safety.
Its vehicle-integrated configuration is intended to keep the detachment protected throughout an engagement while enabling rapid deployment and relocation.
Built for High-Altitude Operations and Extreme Weather
Operating in challenging geographical conditions remains an important requirement for military equipment, particularly in high-altitude regions where mobility, deployment and maintenance can become demanding.
The 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System is being engineered to maintain mobility at high altitudes and operational readiness across extreme climatic conditions, including severe cold, intense heat and monsoon weather.
Designed for deployment across mountain passes, deserts and plains, the system aims to bring 120mm mortar firepower to operational environments where conventional towed systems can be slower to deploy and more demanding to sustain.
Its vehicle-mounted architecture is intended to address the operational challenges associated with transporting, positioning and relocating conventional mortar systems in difficult terrain.
120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System Targets Future Warfare Requirements
The development of the 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System also reflects the changing requirements of modern battlefield operations, where persistent surveillance, faster targeting cycles and equipment survivability are becoming increasingly important.
KSSL is designing the platform around speed, mobility and shoot-and-scoot capabilities, allowing military units to fire and rapidly change positions to reduce their exposure to counterattacks.
The system is intended to support commanders operating in contested environments by providing mobile fire support and the ability to respond quickly to emerging battlefield requirements.
According to the company, the platform is also being designed with the flexibility to evolve alongside changing threats and future operational requirements.
Made in India for Indian Armed Forces and International Markets
The 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System is being designed and developed in India for the Indian Armed Forces as well as international customers.
Through the programme, Kalyani Strategic Systems aims to contribute to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative while strengthening India’s position as an indigenous designer, manufacturer and exporter of advanced defence platforms.
The development also reflects Bharat Forge’s broader presence in the defence manufacturing sector through its subsidiary KSSL, which is working on advanced military platforms for domestic and international requirements.
Amit Kalyani Highlights India’s Defence Self-Reliance
Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge Limited, said: “Deepawali celebrates the triumph of light and the protection of all we hold dear. Our purpose at KSSL is to keep Bharat safe, and to stand with nations facing hostile aggression.
R.A.M.S is being designed to give our armed forces credible, responsive capability at high altitude and in the most challenging conditions, while keeping our soldiers protected. We design for the challenges ahead – we design and build in India, for India and for our partners around the world. This is Aatmanirbhar Bharat in action, and another step towards a Sushakt Bharat, Surakshit Bharat.”
The company said the R.A.M.S programme reinforces its commitment to developing technology focused on national security and protection.
As India celebrates Deepawali, KSSL reiterated its focus on developing indigenous defence technologies that can support the security requirements of India and partner nations.
The 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System programme is positioned as another step in the company’s efforts to develop advanced, vehicle-integrated defence platforms for the evolving requirements of modern military operations.
