IDF to Develop Guidance System for Mortar Shell

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) is considering development of a guidance system for installation on mortar shells in an effort to prevent collateral damage.

The proposed guidance system is to create a kit that can be installed on a mortar shell, which will turn it from an inaccurate weapon to a satellite-guided precision munition.

The Jerusalem Post has quoted a senior IDF Ground Forces Command officer as saying that the accuracy of existing mortars will be configured so that they land within just a couple of metres of the target.

"It would be like the JDAM kits that are installed on air force bombs and turn them from unguided weapons to accurate munitions," the officer added.

The guidance system is part of a general IDF effort to obtain accurate weapons for the artillery corps as it prepares for a possible future conflict.