MO-120-RT-61

The MO-120-RT-61, also known in French service as a 120 mm rifled towed mortar, was developed to give infantry and light forces a more accurate heavy indirect-fire weapon. Unlike many smoothbore mortars, the French design used rifling to improve projectile stability and range with dedicated ammunition. The concept proved exportable and influenced several allied mortar systems.

Technically, the MO-120-RT uses a 120 mm rifled barrel on a towed carriage, allowing movement by vehicle and emplacement by a small crew. The rifled barrel can fire finless rifled mortar bombs as well as some standard 120 mm mortar ammunition, depending on configuration. Its combination of range, accuracy, and mobility made it attractive for expeditionary and mechanized infantry support.

Operationally, the MO-120-RT-61 has been used as a battalion-level or regimental-level fire-support weapon. French forces employed the type in expeditionary operations, and exported examples appeared with several armies. Its continued visibility in conflicts reflects the value of a rugged, accurate, manually served heavy mortar where full artillery batteries are too costly or too heavy.