Brazil, U.S. Armies Review Joint Development of 120mm Mortar Ammunition

Members of Brazil's Army Science, Technology, and Innovation System (SCTIEx) recently engaged in critical management review aiming to advance extended-range ammunition for 120mm mortars with DEVCOM-AC of the U.S. Army.

The review sessions were conducted from June 24 to 27, Brazilian army confirmed in a statement. hosted at the Picatinny Arsenal and Bénet Laboratories/Watervliet Arsenal in New Jersey and New York, respectively, underscored the strategic alignment between both nations. The project targets the integration of technologies to enhance ammunition interoperability and operational efficiency across military platforms.

Key technological milestones include advancements in extended range capabilities, new grenade geometries, and safer, low-sensitivity energy formulations. These not only bolster safety standards but also promote cost-sharing initiatives crucial for sustaining long-term development efforts.

Achievements during the recent meetings included refining joint performance parameters, aligning operational requirements with existing weapon systems, and updating technical tasks and organizational frameworks. Plans were also outlined for comprehensive monitoring, manufacturing reviews, ballistic testing, and essential modeling and simulation activities vital to project continuity.

The next phase of management review is slated for December 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking a pivotal step towards furthering collaborative efforts between the Brazilian and U.S. military forces in advancing mortar ammunition technology.