Slovakia signs deal to supply heavy mortars to Azerbaijan

Slovakia’s state-owned defense company ZŤS Špeciál has signed a contract with Azerbaijan’s state-owned Iglin Scientific Production Enterprise to supply approximately 300 AM-120 automatic 120mm mortar systems, according to information released by the companies.

Under the agreement, ZŤS Špeciál will deliver 96 mortars in the first phase, with the remaining systems listed as optional. The total contract value is reported at $250 million. Production is set to begin immediately, and the first production model is expected to be displayed at an exhibition in Baku later this year.

According to the disclosed terms, Azerbaijan is also interested in acquiring a production license, with discussions covering partial or full local manufacturing of the AM-120 system. No timeline for licensing decisions was announced.

The AM-120 is a 120mm automatic mortar system with a minimum effective range of 504 meters and a maximum firing range of 8,600 meters. The system features an automated loading mechanism that allows a sustained rate of fire of 18 to 20 rounds per minute. An onboard carousel can carry up to 60 rounds, enabling extended firing without immediate resupply.

The mortar is mounted on a Tatra 815-7 6×6 heavy truck chassis and is fitted with a Puma L2 Long armored cabin designed to protect the crew against battlefield threats. The configuration reflects a focus on crew survivability and sustained fire support in maneuver operations.

The choice of a heavy armored chassis for a mortar system with a relatively short engagement range has drawn skepticism in parts of the defense expert community, particularly in light of the growing threat posed by strike and reconnaissance drones. Analysts have noted that large, visually prominent platforms may be easier to detect and target on the modern battlefield, especially when operating within several kilometers of the front line.

The deal represents one of the largest recent land-systems export contracts for Slovakia’s defense industry and further expands military-technical cooperation between Bratislava and Baku. Azerbaijan has pursued sustained investment in artillery and indirect fire systems as part of broader modernization efforts.