Philippines orders 81mm mortars, 76mm naval gun ammo from Spain’s Expal Systems

Expal's 81mm mortars are used by several countries including Spain, Italy, and recently by Switzerland.

The Philippine Navy (PN) has ordered 81mm mortars from Spain’s Expal Systems, which will be used by the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) to fill in gaps in their fire support capabilities.

Among those included in the deal worth Php175.7 million (US$3.44 million) are 30 units of 81mm mortars, together with associated ballistic computers, forward observer equipment, ammunition and and logistics  support.

The PMC is expecting the delivery of the mortars by early 2021, which would complement their existing 81mm mortars which are mostly old US-made M29 mortars obtained in the 1970s. Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines believes that the PMC would acquire more 81mm mortars in the next 8 years, while also preparing to acquire 60mm and 120mm mortars within the next 2 years.

In addition, the PN has also ordered 76mm ammunition for naval guns under a different contract worth Ph63.4 million (US$1.24 million) from the same company. Expal is expected to deliver 720 rounds of training rounds and 748 rounds of high explosive dual purpose rounds.

These would be used by the incoming Jose Rizal-class frigates that are for delivery to the PN within 2020. The said frigates are armed with an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid naval gun.


[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Philippine Defense Resource
[3] Jane’s Defence Weekly