Azerbaijan Moves to Acquire Up to 96 SAM-120 120mm Self-Propelled Mortars Under Slovakia Deal.

Azerbaijan and Slovakia signed a defense cooperation agreement at WDS 2026 that includes the potential acquisition of up to 96 SAM-120 wheeled self-propelled mortar systems. The move signals Baku’s growing focus on highly mobile, rapidly deployable artillery suited for modern land warfare.

During the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Azerbaijan and Slovakia formalized a defense cooperation agreement that highlighted one of the exhibition’s most substantive land systems announcements, the possible procurement of up to 96 SAM-120 wheeled self-propelled mortars. The system, unveiled in a configuration optimized for high mobility operations, was presented by Slovak industry representatives as a flexible indirect fire platform designed to keep pace with maneuver forces, aligning closely with Azerbaijan’s recent force modernization priorities.
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The SAM-120 120 mm automatic mortar weapon station displayed at WDS 2026 in Riyadh, mounted on a 6x6 military truck chassis with an armored front crew cab, highlights Slovakia’s mobile self-propelled indirect fire solution proposed for Azerbaijan’s land forces. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Slovakia’s Minister of Defense Robert Kaliňák confirmed that negotiations are currently in the first phase and are specifically focused on a potential initial delivery of 96 systems. He stated that talks are addressing technical configuration, integration on selected vehicle platforms, and delivery timelines, while contractual and financial elements remain under discussion. Kaliňák emphasized that the agreement establishes a flexible framework designed to support a long-term defense partnership rather than a one-off procurement.

At WDS 2026, the SAM-120 mortar weapon station was displayed mounted on a 6x6 military truck chassis fitted with an armored crew cab at the front, highlighting the system’s emphasis on mobility and crew protection. This configuration allows the mortar to be rapidly transported over long distances on roads while retaining the ability to operate in off-road conditions. The armored cab provides ballistic protection against small arms fire and shell fragments, increasing survivability during forward deployment and repositioning under combat conditions.

The SAM-120 system itself is built around a 120 mm automatic mortar with a fully mechanized loading system, enabling a high and sustained rate of fire with a reduced crew. Once in position, the mortar can be brought into action within minutes, delivering accurate indirect fire before quickly redeploying in a shoot-and-scoot mode to evade counter-battery threats. The integration on a wheeled 6x6 platform enhances strategic and operational mobility compared to tracked solutions, making it well suited for expeditionary and rapid reaction units.

Digitally, the SAM-120 incorporates a modern fire control system with onboard navigation and ballistic computation, allowing autonomous operation or integration into higher-level command-and-control networks. The system is compatible with standard 120 mm ammunition types, including high-explosive, smoke, and illumination rounds, giving commanders flexibility across a wide range of missions. Defense specialists at the exhibition noted that the truck-mounted configuration shown in Riyadh is particularly attractive for forces seeking cost-effective self-propelled mortar capabilities without the logistical burden of heavier armored vehicles.

For Azerbaijan, the potential acquisition reflects a continued focus on enhancing brigade and battalion-level fire support with systems that can keep pace with fast-moving maneuver elements. Wheeled self-propelled mortars mounted on 6x6 trucks would allow Azerbaijani units to rapidly shift fire support across different sectors, a capability considered essential in both conventional and hybrid conflict scenarios. Observers at WDS 2026 indicated that such systems complement Azerbaijan’s broader investments in networked sensors and unmanned aerial systems for target acquisition.

From Slovakia’s perspective, showcasing the SAM-120 on a modern 6x6 truck chassis at WDS 2026 underscores the export-oriented design philosophy of its land systems industry. Industry sources suggested that, if negotiations progress, the program could later include training, maintenance support, and possible industrial cooperation elements. A finalized contract would represent a significant milestone for Slovak defense exports and strengthen Bratislava’s defense-industrial presence in the Caucasus region.

While discussions remain ongoing, the presentation of the SAM-120 in Riyadh and the announcement of a potential 96-system acquisition signal strong momentum behind the project. The coming months will determine whether the framework agreement evolves into a binding contract, but the developments at WDS 2026 already highlight a notable shift in Azerbaijan’s approach to mobile indirect fire support.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.