Global Military Products’ Scorpion Light Mortar: A Step Forward in U.S. Army Modernization

Introduction to the Initiative

On September 30, 2025, Global Military Products (GMP) announced its inclusion in the U.S. Army’s Transformation in Contact (TiC) 2.0 initiative. This collaboration centers around the Scorpion Light 81 mm mobile mortar system, a promising asset aimed at enhancing battlefield effectiveness. As part of a Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) contract, GMP will work alongside the Product Manager for Artillery Mortars and Precision Systems (PdM AMPS).

Training Phase in Hawaii

Kicking off on October 20, 2025, the TiC 2.0 initiative will take place in Hawaii, allowing soldiers the opportunity to engage with the Scorpion Light system. The training regimen comprises:

• Five Days of Equipment Familiarization: This initial phase focuses on imparting essential operational knowledge and safety protocols for live-fire exercises.
• Ten Days of Tactical Engagement: Following equipment training, soldiers will partake in simulated combat scenarios, honing their skills in a realistic operating environment.

This comprehensive training includes drills on the system’s rapid-fire control features, designed to optimize operational efficacy through auto-laying and re-aiming capabilities.

Operational Capabilities of the Scorpion Light

The Scorpion Light system boasts several advantages that enhance its battlefield performance:

• Rapid Deployment and Displacement: Capable of firing the first round in just 30 seconds and relocating within two minutes, the system allows for agile operations in dynamic combat situations.
• Unique Non-Seating Baseplate: This innovative feature enables the mortar to deploy on various surfaces, increasing versatility across diverse terrains.
• Integration with Combat Vehicles: For TiC 2.0, the Scorpion Light will be fully integrated with two GM Defense Infantry Utility Vehicles (IUVs), which are variants of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). The modular design supports various vehicle platforms, with successful integrations already achieved on G-Wagon and Polaris MRZR Alpha platforms.

Demonstration and Feedback Loop

In a recent live-fire demonstration conducted on August 20, 2025, GMP collaborated with Polaris to showcase the Scorpion Light mounted on an MRZR Alpha 6×6 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, timed to coincide with the Marine Gunners Symposium. This event underscored:

• Durability in Diverse Environments: The Scorpion Light, also known internationally as the Alakran, has demonstrated its combat effectiveness across various regions in Europe and the Middle East.
• Adaptability and Certification: GMP highlights the Scorpion Light’s air-drop certification and internal transportability within a CH-47 helicopter, which is crucial for supporting expeditionary forces during rapid deployments.

Insight from Leadership

James Knight, the Senior Manager for Defense Systems and Energetics at GMP, emphasized the importance of initiatives like TiC 2.0. He stated that such platforms are vital for collaborative reviews between government and industry, allowing for the incorporation of soldier feedback into modernization requirements. Knight, a retired army mortarman, articulates the pressing need to enhance the mobility, lethality, and safety of mortar systems, reinforcing the significance of expediting the development process for advanced technologies.

Conclusion

As the U.S. Army pursues modernization in its artillery capabilities, the partnership with GMP and the deployment of the Scorpion Light 81 mm mobile mortar system represent strategic advancements in enhancing operational readiness. These developments not only reflect a commitment to innovation but also underscore the importance of adaptive technologies in contemporary military operations, setting the stage for increased efficiency and effectiveness on the modern battlefield.