The Garudastra long range 120mm vehicle mounted mortar system has been demonstrated by Nibe Limited at the Infantry school in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. The demonstration showcases the multiple capabilities including, rapid shoot-and-scoot operations, Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI), a high rate of fire and precision engagement using both GPS and laser-guided munitions.A mortar is a short-barrelled indirect fire weapon system that launches explosive shells at a high angle, causing them to fall almost vertically on a target.While artillery guns offers greater range and firepower, mortars are lighter, more mobile, quicker to deploy, and better suited for supporting infantry operations in dynamic battlefield conditions.Developed in collaboration with a foreign OEM, Garudastra is designed to engage targets at the ranges of 7-10 kilometres, allowing it to engage enemy positions from safer distances. It carries a 17kg penetrating warhead capable of defeating 20 cm of reinforced concrete, making it effective against bunkers and fortified positions.Compared to smaller 81mm and 82mm mortars, a 120mm mortar is the most widely used heavy calibres, providing a balance of firepower, range and mobility. The Garuda uses a soft-recoil technology which allows it to be mounted on a lightweight 4×4 tactical vehicle.Its ability to integrate with C4I and Battle management systems (BMS) enables it to receive real-time targeting information from drones, radars and command networks. Drone feeds provides real-time target coordinates and course correction, improving responsiveness against mobile targets.It is capable to burst fire at the rate of 12-16 rounds per minute and sustained firing at 3-4 rounds per minute. Its high rate of fire gives the capability to rapidly neutralise moving targets and enhance battlefield dominance during critical phases of combat.In the modern battlefield which is increasingly dominated by drone surveillance and counter battery radars, Garudastra’s shoot-and-scoot capability gives it a significant advantage over conventional mortar systems. Shoot-and-scoot is a battlefield tactic in which a weapon system fires its rounds and quickly moves to a different location before the enemy can detect and target the firing position. When a mortar or artillery system fires, enemy counter-battery radars can track the projectile’s trajectory, determine its launch location, and direct retaliatory fire against the firing position.The tactic has become increasingly important in modern warfare due to the widespread use of drones, surveillance aircraft, counter-battery radars and precision-guided weapons.Mounted on a vehicle platform, Garudastra can rapidly deploy, fire multiple rounds and relocate before enemy forces can accurately determine its position and launch a counter-strike. Such tactics significantly enhance the survivability of mortar units while maintaining a continuous ability to provide fire support.Garudastra’s ability to employ GPS and laser guided mortar munitions gives it an advantage over conventional mortars which rely solely on ballistic trajectory and area bombardment. GPS guidance uses satellite navigation coordinates to reach pre-designated targets, while with laser guidance the shell is guided to the laser energy reflected off the designated target by ground troops, drones or forward observers. GPS guided munitions reduce the ammunition consumptions and improves first round hit probability.The system aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of creating a robust indigenous defence industrial base capable of meeting the operational requirements of Indian armed forces
