India tests it heaviest 120mm mortar system 'Garudastra', check range, firing rate, drone integration and key features

The Garudastra long-range 120mm vehicle-mounted mortar system was demonstrated by Nibe Limited at the Infantry School in Mhow, showcasing capabilities including rapid shoot-and-scoot operations, Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI), a high rate of fire and precision engagement using GPS and laser-guided munitions.

Developed in collaboration with a foreign original equipment manufacturer, the system is designed to engage targets at ranges of 7 to 10 kilometres. It is equipped with a 17kg penetrating warhead capable of defeating 20 centimetres of reinforced concrete, enabling it to strike bunkers and fortified positions from safer distances.

Difference between artillery and mortar

A mortar is a short-barrelled indirect fire weapon that launches explosive shells on a high trajectory, allowing them to descend almost vertically onto a target. While artillery guns offer greater range and firepower, mortars are lighter, easier to deploy and better suited for supporting infantry operations in rapidly changing battlefield conditions.

Capabilities of Garudastra

Garudastra uses soft-recoil technology, allowing the 120mm mortar to be mounted on a lightweight 4x4 tactical vehicle. Compared with smaller 81mm and 82mm systems, the 120mm calibre provides a balance of firepower, range and mobility and remains one of the most widely used heavy mortar calibres.

The vehicle-mounted platform enables the system to rapidly deploy, fire multiple rounds and relocate before enemy forces can identify its position and launch a counterattack. This shoot-and-scoot capability is considered increasingly important on modern battlefields dominated by drone surveillance, counter-battery radars and precision-guided weapons.

High rate of fire and network integration

The system is capable of burst firing between 12 and 16 rounds per minute and sustaining a firing rate of three to four rounds per minute. Its rate of fire allows forces to quickly engage moving targets and provide continuous fire support during critical combat operations.

Garudastra can also integrate with C4I and Battle Management Systems, enabling it to receive real-time targeting information from drones, radars and command networks. Drone feeds provide target coordinates and course corrections, improving responsiveness against mobile threats.

Precision-guided munitions enhance accuracy

The mortar system can employ both GPS-guided and laser-guided munitions, providing greater accuracy than conventional mortars that rely primarily on ballistic trajectories and area bombardment.

GPS-guided rounds use satellite navigation coordinates to strike pre-designated targets, while laser-guided munitions home in on laser energy reflected from targets designated by ground troops, drones or forward observers. The use of GPS guidance improves first-round hit probability while reducing ammunition consumption.

Supports indigenous defence manufacturing goals

According to the company, the Garudastra system aligns with the Government of India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at strengthening the country's indigenous defence industrial base and meeting the operational requirements of the Indian armed forces.