September 30, 2011: Over the next four years, Israel will supply reserve units with at least two dozen 120mm Keshet mortar systems per year. Since 2007, 82 of these systems have been delivered to active forces. The US also uses Keshet systems on its Stryker armored personnel carriers. The Keshet, usually mounted on armored personnel carriers, weighs 750 kg (1,650 lb) and can fire up to 16 rounds per minute at ranges up to 7,500 meters. An automated fire control system can coordinate fire from multiple 120mm Keshet mortars.
The Keshet system is unique in that it is closely integrated with the control system, which allows commanders to promptly call in high-precision fire. The computerized system uses GPS and digital maps to provide accurate fire. The Keshet can ensure that projectiles hit the target within a few minutes, even with unguided projectiles. Keshet also allows the use of high-precision laser-guided projectiles if troops are in close proximity to the enemy. Guidance can also be carried out from a UAV using laser irradiation of the target.
The 120mm laser-guided mine weighs 17.2 kg (38 lb) and has an accuracy of one meter (three feet) from the laser tag. The GPS guidance system provides accuracy within 10 meters of the aiming point. Unguided mines cannot provide such accuracy from the first shot and usually require several shots, as well as target adjustment before the target is hit. The use of guided mortar shells is especially important in street battles, where a miss will mean the death of civilians. One hundred and twenty millimeter mortar projectile contains about 2.2 kg (five lb) explosives, compared to the 6.6 kg (15 lb) 155 mm projectile. Less explosive mass limits collateral damage to civilians.
