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2024-03-06

Saudi Arabia to Localise Alakran Mortar System Production

In a move aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals, NTGS, the manufacturer of the Alakran mobile mortar system, and Saudi defence conglomerate ERAF, have signed a partnership agreement to manufacture and integrate the Alakran locally within the Kingdom.

This collaboration will see the Alakran mortar system mounted on suitable vehicle platforms manufactured in Saudi Arabia. The agreement leverages local resources and manpower, boosting the domestic economy and creating job opportunities.

The agreement was signed by Juan Carlos Estrella, CEO of NTGS, and Fahad Al-Ameel, Vice-President of ERAF at the World Defence Show held in Riyadh.

Revolutionary Feature

The Alakran, a groundbreaking auto-aiming mortar carrier, eliminates the need for a recoil-absorbing mechanism – a revolutionary feature in its class. Designed for versatility, this system is engineered with mission-critical capabilities to address key tactical challenges on today’s high-intensity battlefield.

The principle is straightforward: provide mobility to mortar operations while preserving the essence of simplicity and availability inherent in mortar functionality. The design prioritises ground shooting and an effective targeting mechanism from its inception, making it the market’s benchmark as a lightweight 120/81 mm mortar holder.

The fully digital and automated mortar system is user-friendly and proven to be effective in a broad spectrum of operational environments including urban, desert, forest, mountainous regions and snow.

It is a combat-proven system that is constantly upgraded and is currently ‘in-service’ in several active war zones around the globe. It can effortlessly be integrated onto almost any 4x4 vehicle with a minimum two-tonne payload, and out-performs competitors by utilising patented technological breakthroughs to deliver superior mobility, precision, accuracy, firepower, and crew safety.

Mortar Capabilities

NTGS manufactures manual mortars in 60, 81, and 120 mm. The 81mm and 120mm barrels are designed for the Alakran system, providing 81/120 mm mortar capabilities with efficient recoil force transmission. Its patented barrel cooling system ensures sustained firing, addressing operational challenges. This user-friendly system easily integrates into 4x4 vehicles, adapting to diverse terrains, and is heliborne-capable due to its lightweight design.

The system can be transported hidden under the vehicle canvas. Once the chosen settlement has been reached, the mortar is deployed and driven into the ground using a hydraulic system. The time spent in interlocking, aiming, firing, and raising the weapon is merely a few seconds.

It has an electronic aiming system and motorised aiming of the weapon. It is reported that the Spanish NTGS Alakran Light Mortar Carrier (LMC) is already in service in the Middle East integrated on a Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 platform, with Ukraine also deploying the system integrated into a 4×4 armoured personnel carrier.

Extensive Field Tests

Milanion NTGS has globally collaborated for extensive field tests, leveraging customer feedback to continually enhance performance. These partnerships underscore Milanion NTGS’ commitment to cooperative innovation, showcasing Alakran’s seamless integration with existing defence frameworks.

At IDEX 2023, Milanion NTGS, via its UK entity, inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UAE-based Streit Group, aiming to explore strategic opportunities in supplying, marketing, and meeting the increasing demand for Alakran.

NTGS Chairman, Julio Estrella, said: “This agreement with ERAF will usher in a new chapter for Alakran in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We have made a commitment to our partner and the local economy to further develop and manufacture the system using locally sourced parts and resources to meet the requirements of the Kingdom’s Armed Forces.”

“We look forward to strengthening this partnership further,” said Abdullah Al-Ameel, Chairman of ERAF. “Alakran is a globally in-demand and combat-proven system, and our agreement with NTGS aligns with our dedication to support the current vision of the Kingdom by delivering global competitive advances in the local defence industry.”

NTGS is a global defence and security solutions provider, designing, manufacturing, and delivering highly mobile fire support assets with a ‘Shoot and Scoot’ ethos, combat-proven for real-world challenges.

Established in 1996, ERAF serves military, commercial, and industrial sectors, providing a diverse range of land, naval, and power systems, defence products, security solutions, and commercial applications. Its extensive activities include platform modernisation, support services, and various commercial ventures.

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