PA is looking to induct a SP mortar system and increase the numbers of their MRL's.
Self-propelled mortar system
Value: USD1.5 billion
In service: Up to 2020
Status: Medium probability
Summary: The procurement of a self-propelled mortar (SPM) system will provide Pakistan’s mechanized infantry with its own organic fire support capability. Unlike self-propelled howitzers, which are generally brigade-level assets, SPMs as a battalion asset could respond faster to calls for fire from individual infantry companies. The Pakistan Army has already converted a large number of its locally produced BAE Systems M113 platforms into support vehicles and it is likely that any SPM will be based on the M113. This is a medium probability forecast based on Pakistani media reports in 2010 and 2011 that the government is interested in acquiring an SPM system.
Probable Supplier; US, China
Financial Mechanism; FMS, Soft loans.
Type; ?
Source: The Emerging Defense Procurement Market • Pakistan
China's howitzer-mortar
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) uses 82 mm and 120 mm mortars in both the SP and dismounted roles. The former are mounted in fully tracked APCs, are fired through open hatch covers and can be dismounted for conventional ground use.
Meanwhile, the 120 mm PLL-05 wheeled SP mortar system made its first public appearance during Beijing's military parade held in October 2009 and has now entered service with the PLA.
Currently marketed by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) as the 120 mm self-propelled howitzer-mortar, it is based on the latest production WMZ551 (6x6) amphibious APC, which is used in a wide range of roles by the PLA.
In terms of armament, the PLL-05 has both a direct and indirect fire capability and is armed with a turret-mounted 120 mm rifled ordnance, for which a total of 36 rounds are carried. A 12.7 mm machine gun (MG) is mounted on the roof for both air defence and self-defence purposes.
In addition, two types of high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) projectiles for use in the direct fire role can be fired with an effective range of 1,200 m. The indirect fire is handled by preformed high-explosive (HE) and cargo rounds carrying 30 bomblets. The maximum range for indirect fire is currently being quoted as 8.5 km. China has also developed a laser-guided 120 mm mortar projectile, although it is not known whether this can be fired from the PLL-05 SP system.
would the PA mount this system on their M113 APC?
Source:
http://www.defence.pk/forums/jr-tt-...rocurement-market-pakistan.html#ixzz2LFRrOAyH
