Meet the IDF's Newly Operational “Iron Sting” GPS and Laser-Guided Mortar Munition

A mere few days after the beginning of the war, the advanced “Iron Sting” mortar munition was made operational by the “Maglan” Commando Unit. The mortar is one of its kind in many aspects, but particularly in its level of precision. Our troops in the field are able to direct it using not one but two components - a laser and a GPS - which are integrated into its structure. 

The soldiers of the “Maglan” Unit utilized the mortar to target Hamas launching posts. These posts and the terrorists working them are responsible for indiscriminate rocket fire that can easily result in the death or injury of civilians, making their quick destruction essential and lifesaving. The mortar was initially used in the southern arena, however forces in the northern arena began using it a short while later. 

The operating team ‘feeds’ the target location into the mortar. “Iron Sting” mortars can be guided using two means: a laser and a GPS. The mortar was designed with the notion that heavy clouds or haze can constitute an obstacle for a laser beam, therefore if the beam struggles to perform and guide the mortar, the exact GPS system can provide backup. Similarly, in the case of disrupted satellite signal, the laser beam will be used as backup for the GPS system. 

Creating such an advanced tool containing two guiding options was very complex and took Israel’s security institutions almost 10 years to develop and operationalize.

The mortar is launched ballistically, and when it reaches its peak altitude two small ‘wings’ open at its tail. These are connected to the Iron Sting’s internal engine and computer, and are responsible for guiding the mortar to precisely hit its target. During its time in the air, the mortar will look for the laser mark to settle on its target. If the laser doesn’t show, it can use the GPS information it was given. 

Iron Sting is suitable for still, ground targets with a known location. This includes rocket launching posts, terrorist cells in hiding, hostile armored vehicles and others. 

Where similar weapons might require a number of launches before hitting their target, the “Iron Sting” mortar is sure to hit bull’s eye every single time, and has a range of 8-10kms. It can take up to 60 seconds to launch which is approx. 15 seconds longer than the average mortar, but when it comes to tactical priorities and effectiveness in combat, it is preferable to regular mortars which are quicker to launch but are less precise.

While the Iron Sting was used back in the “Guardian of the Walls” operation in 2021, this is the first time it has been operationalized on the battlefield. More and more units in addition to “Maglan” are planned to be equipped with these new and advanced mortars, both in the Infantry and Armored Corps.

The “Iron Sting” mortar munition is expected to play a key role in the ongoing ground operations in Gaza and give the IDF an advantage when it comes to urban warfare. The system as a whole allows IDF troops to target and strike terrorist cells and vehicles with surgical precision. It can even enter through windows in a manner that greatly minimizes surrounding damage and therefore minimizes harm to uninvolved civilians, which is currently one of the IDF’s topmost priorities.