Israeli company Elbit Systems has secured a new $53m contract to provide Crossbow Unmanned Turreted 120mm soft recoil mortar systems for an undisclosed European defence customer.  

Under the terms of the agreement, Elbit Systems will deliver the soft recoil mortar systems to General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). 

This mortar system will be integrated onto the Pandur 6×6 wheeled armoured personnel carriers (APC) vehicles of the European customer.  

The contract is set to be fulfilled over a six-year period. 

Elbit Systems highlighted that the latest contract represents the first ever contract awarded to the company for Crossbow system since its introduction at the DSEI exhibition in London last year.  

Elbit Systems Land general manager Yehuda Vered said: “We are proud to receive the first order from a leading international costumer for our state-of-the-art Crossbow Unmanned Turreted Mortar System.  

“The turreted mortar, with its precise guided round, reaffirms our commitment to developing and providing innovative and advanced land systems as solutions to the evolving needs of the modern battlefield.” 

The Crossbow system is designed to enhance the protection and survivability of mortar operators.  

It features a rapid response capability, enabling the firing of the first round in under 30 seconds.  

Crossbow has a maximum firing rate of ten rounds per minute and a sustained rate of six rounds per minute. 

Its turret does not require index loading and provides a full 360° operational capability. 

In addition, the Crossbow system adheres to NATO ammunition standards and is compatible with various platforms, including 6X6 and 8X8 wheeled vehicles, stationary bases, and tracked vehicles.