The South African (SA) Army has placed orders for additional mortar ammunition from Rheinmetall Denel Munitions.

The latest R30.8m ($4.4m) order brings the total orders of various types and calibres to R372.8m ($53.7m) being awarded under the Project Acrobat 60mm long-range mortar (LRM) system and ammunition.

The SA Army uses three mortar systems that include the M1/M4 60mm, M3 81mm and M5 120mm.

The LRM, with its long-range ammunition, is capable of firing at distances as far as 6,180m and has better lethality range and area.

The 34kg long-range mortar is likely to replace the older M3 81mm mortar.