U.S. Army to Receive First ISV-U-Mounted Scorpion Mortars
The U.S. Army is set to begin receiving the first batch of Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortars integrated onto the ISV-U vehicle during the week of Sept. 7, 2026. Global Military Products (GMP) is carrying out the $12.9 million procurement and integration contract under the U.S. Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium’s (DOTC) other transaction authority (OTA) framework.
$12.9 Million Mortar Integration Contract
According to GMP, the contract covers procurement of the Scorpion Light 81mm mortar system, along with its integration with the U.S. Army’s digital fire-control technology, a government-provided M253 mortar barrel and the ISV-U vehicle. The exact number of systems to be fielded has not been disclosed.
According to Shephard, GMP plans to begin delivering the first ISV-U-mounted systems during the week of Sept. 7, 2026. The effort goes beyond simply mounting a weapon on a vehicle, focusing instead on integrating the mortar, vehicle and fire-control system into a single operational platform.
Digital Fire Control Designed to Speed Target Engagement
The Scorpion Light is designed around digital fire-control technology to reduce the time required for target acquisition, fire-mission processing and retargeting. GMP says the latest version is linked to the Nett Warrior networked communications architecture, simplifying the transmission of target data and the firing process.
This configuration reduces the crew’s manual workload and supports shoot-and-scoot tactics, in which units repeatedly move, fire and rapidly displace. Its real-world battlefield performance and operational impact, however, will be determined through future fielding and evaluation.
Combining with the ISV-U to Deliver Lightweight Mobile Firepower
The ISV-U is a utility variant of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) family, with rear cargo space for mission equipment. GMP has integrated the Scorpion Light onto the vehicle to give light combat forces organic indirect-fire support while maintaining mobility.
According to Inside Defense, the ISV-U-based Scorpion system is being developed to support the U.S. Army’s mobile and dispersed operations. Compared with medium combat vehicles offering greater armor protection, the approach prioritizes mobility, air transportability and rapid position establishment.
Operational Testing at Balikatan 2026
According to GMP, the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment’s Multi-Purpose Company, assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, evaluated the Balikatan 2026 exercise in the Philippines using the ISV-based Scorpion 81mm system. During live-fire trials, two Scorpion systems fired a total of 20 rounds in less than two minutes.
Earlier, the U.S. Army also tested the ISV-U-mounted Scorpion Light during activities related to 2026’s “Transformation in Contact” initiative in Hawaii. GMP said feedback from unit operators has been used to improve mobility, firepower, survivability and operational efficiency.
A Test for Light-Force Modernization
The contract aligns with the U.S. Army’s effort to provide small, mobile combat units with organic indirect fire. Combining the vehicle, mortar and digital fire control could enable faster movement and position changes than traditional towed mortars.
Because it is based on a lightweight vehicle, however, the system’s protection, ammunition handling, dependence on communications networks and ability to sustain operations in real-world conditions will be key areas for follow-on evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ISV-U-mounted Scorpion mortar?
It is a Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system integrated onto the ISV-U vehicle. It combines vehicle mobility with digital fire control to provide rapid indirect-fire support.
How much is the U.S. Army contract worth?
The contract being carried out by Global Military Products is worth $12.9 million. It includes mortar procurement, vehicle integration and the application of digital fire-control technology.
What is the caliber of the mortars being fielded?
The U.S. Army program uses the 81mm Scorpion Light system. The M253 mortar barrel will be integrated as government-furnished equipment.
When will the first systems be delivered?
GMP plans to begin delivering the first ISV-U-mounted systems during the week of Sept. 7, 2026.
What are the benefits of digital fire control?
Digital fire control is intended to speed the transmission of target information, fire-mission processing and retargeting while reducing the crew’s manual workload.
