South Korea presents KMPV KM120 120mm mortar carrier for rapid indirect fire at WDS 2026.

At WDS 2026, SNT Dynamics presented a KMPV 4x4 armored vehicle fitted with the KM120 120mm mortar, featuring semi-automatic loading, electric actuation, and INS/GPS-based fire control.

At WDS 2026, SNT Dynamics presented a model of a KMPV 4x4 armored vehicle equipped with the KM120 120mm mortar system to provide indirect fire support for light and mobile ground units using standardized 120mm ammunition. The KM120 mortar combines a recoiled mortar, automated laying, and digital fire control to achieve firing ranges of up to 13 km with rocket-assisted ammunition.
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When installed on the KMPV 4x4, the KM120 mortar system provides an indirect fire support for light and mobile ground units, thanks to a 360° traverse and firing ranges of up to 13 km with rocket-assisted ammunition. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The KM120 mortar is designed to reduce recoil forces transmitted to the carrier vehicle through a recoil braking system, enabling installation on light armored vehicles such as the KMPV. Integrated subsystems include a fully embedded fire control system, a combined navigation set using INS and GPS, and an automated electrically driven pointing mechanism, enabling faster laying, repeatable firing data generation, and reduced manual workload during fire missions. A semi-automatic loading device supports the KM120's burst and sustained rates of fire while limiting crew exposure time. Ammunition compatibility includes high explosive, rocket-assisted projectile (RAP), white phosphorus, illumination, and training rounds, aligning with the international 120mm caliber standard. The traverse capability of 360° supports rapid target switching, while elevation limits allow high-angle indirect fire profiles.

Weighing below 1,400 kg, the KM120 is a mounted, recoiled 120mm mortar system with semi-automatic loading and both drop and percussion firing modes. The maximum rate of fire is stated at 10 rounds per minute for three minutes, equivalent to the French Thales 2R2M, with a sustained rate of three rounds per minute. Maximum firing range reaches 13 km when using rocket-assisted projectiles, while standard mission profiles also reference ranges in the 8 to 12 km class, depending on ammunition, more than a common U.S. M120 towed mortar, which has a maximum range of about 7,200 m. Firing coverage is defined as 45° to 70° in elevation with a full 360° traverse, allowing target engagement without vehicle repositioning. Reaction time for the first round is listed at 30 seconds, while power and actuation are fully electric, simplifying the integration with vehicle electrical architectures (24 V, DC).

The same KM120 mortar module forms the core of the tracked KSM-120 Skyfall self-propelled mortar, commonly known as Bi-gyeok in South Korea, which integrates the weapon onto the K200A1 armored personnel carrier. Development approval actions began in late 2013, followed by competitive and contractor selection steps through 2014, with full system development completed on June 27, 2019. The development cycle lasted about five years and followed a contract signature dated June 24, 2014. The program is funded with a research and development budget of about ₩41.3 billion and achieved full domestic production for the system. The KSM-120 was developed to replace legacy 4.2-inch self-propelled mortars such as the K242, which faced limitations in range, automation, and suitability for mechanized operations.

Compared with 4.2-inch systems, the KSM-120 offers up to 2.3 times the range and 1.9 times the firepower of legacy mortars, while allowing 360° engagement without rotating the carrier vehicle. Automation supports reduced personnel requirements, with company-level manpower reduced from 32 to 24 personnel. The Skyfall supports networked fire missions with other units while retaining independent command capability at each mortar for continued fire support if required. In terms of performance, the KSM-120 has a maximum road speed of about 70 km/h and a typical crew of four. Self-propelled configurations commonly reference ranges up to 12 km with rocket-assisted projectiles, a little less than the 13 km range specified for the mortar module itself. Fielding plans place the KSM-120 in mechanized infantry battalions, with K242 vehicles identified as the first replacement target and older 4.2-inch mortars transferred to infantry formations.

On the other hand, the KMPV, also known as Blue Shark, is a 4x4 armored vehicle developed by Kovico and used as the carrier for the wheeled KM120 self-propelled mortar showcased at WDS 2026. The vehicle has a total weight of about 12 tonnes and dimensions of 6 m in length, 2.19 m in width, and 2.3 m in height. Protection levels are stated as STANAG 4569 Level 2 for ballistic threats and Level 2a for mine and IED protection, referenced to 6 kg of TNT. Mobility features include an independent suspension, run-flat tires, a maximum road speed between 110 and 120 km/h depending on configuration, a maximum gradient capability of 60%, a side slope limit of 30%, and a fording depth of 1 m. The engine used in the KMPV is a 5,890 cc diesel with an output of about 270 hp, commonly associated with the DL06S family. Seating capacity varies by variant, with references ranging from 8 to 10 seats, and armament options include 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm remote weapon stations and powered turrets.

The history of the KMPV includes early sightings in 2018, a first public defense exhibition appearance in 2019 with a remote weapon station, and a six-month military field trial starting in October 2020. That trial included battalion-level tactical training and reconnaissance missions, after which the vehicle was assessed as export-suitable. Additional trial activity was observed in late 2022, and the South Korean vehicle appeared again at ADEX 2023, indicating continued development. Exports include deliveries of KMPV-based vehicles to Indonesia for police use, a reported delivery of 100 vehicles to the Nigerian police in December 2023, and a 2025 delivery of six vehicles to the Philippines, including five standard variants and one ambulance. A model of a KMPV fitted with a 120mm mortar was displayed at ADEX in October 2025, while parallel KM120 integrations have also been shown on lighter KLTV tactical vehicles, with references to a potential requirement of about 200 vehicles.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.