New Turkish 81mm mortar system ready for production after seven years in development
A side view of the SM-81 Keskin 81mm breech-loaded mortar showing the flat panel display fire control system. (Photo: author)
Saver Advanced Defense Technologies has unveiled a new 81mm breech-loading mortar design with a novel trigger firing mode.
Turkiye’s Saver Advanced Defense Technologies, a subsidiary of Ermaksan, has completed development of a unique pedestal-mounted breech-loaded 81mm mortar and quantity production can commence when orders are placed, according to the company.
This system has been developed over a seven-year period using internal R&D funding.
The 81mm mortar tube is 1.453m long and fitted with a hand-operated vertical sliding breech mechanism with a screw breech being one potential option.
Traverse is through a full 360 degrees with weapon elevation from -5 to +82 degrees, with both being manual with an elevation and traverse indicator being fitted.
The recoil system is mounted above
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement]()
British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement
The UK Ministry of Defence has avoided being prescriptive in its search to replace the British Army’s Land Rover, meaning vehicle types being offered range from Land Rover Defender Wolf II and Humvee to the hybrid series Fering Pioneer. What does this mean for the procurement process?
-
![DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return]()
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
![Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow]()
Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow
The Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover has secured orders from the US Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, addressing demand for agile Arctic mobility with passenger, cargo and towing capacity.
