UK Launches Project Stokes: Search for New 120mm Mortar
A recent post on the UK Ministry of Defence’s contract portal has revealed, that a request for information (RFI) for a 120mm Light Mounted Mortar Variant-Hinged has been made. Called ‘Project Stokes’, the project taking its name from the famous Stokes Mortar first used by the British Army in 1916.
The MoD contracts portal details the RFI further, noting that the RFI is in a ‘concept and assessment phase’ which can be read in full on the MOD contracts portal. The RFI calls for:
“Qty 60 hinged mounted 120mm mortar systems that will be fitted/integrated onto a UK light vehicle (assumed to be Jackal 3 Extenda). The Project is currently inviting responses to preliminary market engagement (RFI) on key information (eg. costs, feasibility of integration) regarding hinged mortar systems to inform the Authority’s decision. A hinged mortar system provides a balance of performance (enhanced lethality and survivability), time (easiest to integrate at pace) and cost (lower system integration and through life support) compared to mounted (recoil-less) alternatives. Only hinged-mounted systems will be considered.”
The RFI gives the deadline for the project as 31/03/2027, which will allow time for contractors and manufacturers to offer up their 120mm Mortars for potential evaluation. It is unknown at this point which companies will submit information, but there are a number of potential vehicle-mounted mortar systems already in service globally that could be pitched for Project Stokes.
Spanish manufacturer NTGS (New Technologies Global Systems) already have a 120mm self-propelled mortar system online, the Alakran, that has seen recent use in Ukraine. The Alakran system has been seen in use with the Ukrainian Army’s 120th Assault Regiment. A shipment of the systems reportely arrived in November 2024, with the regiment practicing rapid deployment and live firing training.
Another system is the Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar System (GDAM) which is offered by UK-based Babcock. The system, which was developed by Singapore’s ST Engineering, was on display at DSEI 2025. The GDAMS has a crew of two and can be deployed within 15 seconds. Babcock can also produce the system within the UK using their own supply chain should the GDAM be offered to the MOD during Project Stokes.
Additional notes from the MoD’s RFI explain that “the contracting route to procure this capability for the UK Army is likely to be via a Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023.”
This development comes in the wake of other recent projects launched by the UK MoD and British Army for new equipment. Such as Project Grayburn, which looks to replace the L85A3 Bullpup as the British Army’s service rifle. As well as the new Light Mobility Vehicle programme, which saw Babcock, General Dynamics and KNDS (amongst others) exhibit potential vehicles for adoption at DSEI 2025.