In a recent development, Elbit Systems Ltd. has been awarded a $190m (NIS710.6m) contract to supply Iron Sting guided mortar munitions to the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The agreement, which spans two years, will see the delivery of 120mm mortars designed for precision targeting and minimal collateral damage.

The Iron Sting munition has laser and GPS guidance capabilities and is engineered to hit targets with a range of up to 10km. This weapon features operational modes, including Point Detonation and Proximity Sensor.

However, the timing of this contract and the capabilities of these munitions have sparked renewed scrutiny over their potential impact on civilians in Gaza.

With a market share of 19%, Israel will be the second-leading country in the Middle Eastern region. Israel faces significant security challenges in the area, including missile threats from the state, non-state actors, and neighbouring countries, which drives the need for investments in missile defence systems to protect itself from potential missile attacks, according to GlobalData’s “The Global Missiles & Missile Defense Systems Market 2023-2033” report.

Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land, defended the contract, emphasising the importance of precision-guided technology in modern warfare. “Following the combat experience our cutting-edge guided mortar munition has accumulated, this contract further cements our position as a market leader in precision-guided solutions.

With the rise of military conflicts in urban environments, armed forces worldwide demand accurate technologies that minimize collateral damage. Elbit Systems’ Iron Sting meets this critical need.”

In May 2023, Elbit Systems secured a €20m (NIS80m) contract with Montenegro to supply 120mm mortar munitions and train its military personnel.