The Israeli Ministry of Defense is set to acquire over $220 million worth of Elbit Systems’ cutting-edge Iron Sting precision-guided mortars, which have been heavily utilized in the ongoing conflict in Gaza and along Israel’s northern border against Hezbollah threats.
On Monday, Major-General (Res.) Eyal Zamir, the Director General of the Ministry, signed the procurement order for these sophisticated 120mm mortars. Elbit Systems announced it has secured approximately $190 million for the contract to deliver its Iron Sting laser- and GPS-guided mortar munitions to the Ministry of Defense. The slight difference in the projected costs is attributed to value-added tax, as explained in a statement to Breaking Defense.
The Ministry emphasized that the Iron Sting mortars are equipped with advanced laser and GPS guidance systems, which facilitate precision targeting while reducing collateral damage. The statement highlighted that these munitions represent a significant advancement in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)’s capabilities to operate effectively in complex combat scenarios and urban settings.
The Iron Sting consists of a 120mm mortar shell designed to deploy guidance fins upon launch. It has been modified to accept input from a computer, enabling it to use both GPS and laser seeker data to accurately reach its targets. Weighing 32 pounds, these mortars have an operational range of 10 kilometers and available in multiple targeting modes with a multi-mode fuse that includes Point Detonation (PD), Point Detonation Delay (PDD), and Proximity Sensor (PRX) options. Currently, the mortar system is launched from vehicle-mounted mortar tubes, specifically from Humvees and M113s, though Elbit indicates compatibility with other four-by-four vehicles.
“With the increasing focus on military operations in urban environments, armed forces worldwide are seeking precise technologies that minimize collateral damage. Elbit Systems’ Iron Sting addresses this imperative,” remarked Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land. An unnamed Elbit official informed Breaking Defense that the Iron Sting has received positive field reviews from the IDF during the conflict in Gaza, particularly because of its ability to hit small, specific targets cost-effectively. “Using one Iron Sting can replace the need for five to ten standard rounds,” the official noted.
This recent agreement represents the first major contract for the Iron Sting with the IDF; however, the official mentioned there is already substantial interest from international markets. “We have existing contracts and are preparing for future opportunities,” they added.
Initially unveiled in 2021, Iron Sting was first used operationally in October 2023, shortly after Hamas’s deadly attack on Israeli military positions and border communities on October 7. The IDF has frequently reported the operational use of the mortar in Gaza and, as of November 9, 2023, noted that forces had engaged terror targets utilizing both artillery and the Iron Sting guided munition against Hezbollah.
In the majority of the IDF reports regarding the mortar’s deployment in Gaza, it has been utilized by the IDF’s 89th Commando Brigade in conjunction with the 98 Division during intense battles in Khan Younis and other regions. For instance, on January 25, the IDF reported that soldiers from the Egoz Unit successfully engaged three armed terrorists using a precision Iron Sting strike. The Egoz is one of several elite commando units in Israel. The official from Elbit confirmed that the Iron Sting system is now being deployed across various mortar battalions in the IDF.
