With the aim of renewing its fire support capabilities, the Dutch Army has tested its new Hirtenberger M8 81mm mortars. This was reported by the Dutch Ministry of Defense on March 12, highlighting the recent acquisition of 120 units, along with a reserve of ammunition in five types and the corresponding technical support from the manufacturer.
The contract for the acquisition of the new mortars, with a duration of ten years, was signed on February 25, 2021, between the Netherlands Defense Materiel Organization (DMO) and the company Hirtenberger Defence Europe GmbH. The agreement provided for the delivery of 122 Hirtenberger M8 – 1365 model mortars, with a total weight of 40.2 kg and a barrel length of 1.365 meters. These systems were selected due to the need to replace the old British 81mm mortars, which no longer met operational requirements in terms of range, accuracy, and speed of operation. Additionally, the Ministry reported that, shortly after the contract was signed, qualification tests for these systems and their ammunition began, concluding after two years.
In the most recent tests, the new mortars have demonstrated their ability to operate in any lighting, weather, and terrain conditions. Among their main features are a barrel forged from high-strength steel and a bipod that incorporates a recoil buffer, a barrel clamp, and mechanisms for elevation, direction, and transverse leveling. Additionally, the bipod features two additional shock absorbers that reduce weapon recoil and maintain the stability of the entire system, even on difficult terrain, contributing to its accuracy at ranges of up to 6,000 meters.
On the other hand, its aiming system, the A06 mortar sight, allows for indirect aiming of the M8 in azimuth and elevation. It is a mechanical device with precise adjustments through worm gears and an optical telescope. For nighttime operations, the A06 is equipped with an LED illumination system powered by two standard 1.5V batteries (AA type).
As stipulated in the contract, the Dutch Armed Forces have selected five types of ammunition: High Explosive (HE), ILL VIS, ILL IR, and Red Phosphorus Smoke (SMK RP). Finally, the new mortars will be assigned to the Korps Mariniers (Marine Corps), which will operate them from Bandvagn 206 tracked vehicles, and to the Army, which will transport them in Fennek or Mercedes-Benz vehicles, deploying them from the ground.
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