On January 18, 2024, the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment showcased a live firing exercise involving the new AMPV M1287 Mortar Carrier (MC) via its Facebook account. The exercise, documented through pictures, demonstrated the capabilities of the new mortar carrier, which is armed with a formidable M121 120mm mortar and utilizes the M95 Mortar Fire Control System.
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U.S. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division conducted a live firing exercise with the new AMPV M1287 tracked armored mortar carrier vehicle. (Picture source 1-64 Armor Facebook account)

The AMPV (Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle) program is a cornerstone in the U.S. Army's strategy to modernize its vehicle fleet, replacing the aging M113 family of vehicles that have been in service since the 1960s. The AMPV contract, awarded to BAE Systems, signifies a major step forward in enhancing the mobility, survivability, and versatility of the Army's armored brigade combat teams (ABCTs).

The AMPV program aims to deliver five primary variants to meet a wide range of operational needs: the General Purpose (GP) vehicle, the Medical Evacuation (MEV) vehicle, the Medical Treatment (MTV) vehicle, the Mortar Carrier (MC) vehicle, and the Mission Command (MCmd) vehicle. The M1287 Mortar Carrier, specifically, is designed to provide indirect fire support to ABCTs, enhancing their capability to deliver timely and effective fire support during combat operations.

Awarded in December 2014, the AMPV contract reflects the U.S. Army's commitment to replacing its outdated platforms with more advanced and versatile systems. The development and procurement of the AMPV fleet underscore a significant investment in the future of land warfare, ensuring that soldiers have access to the best possible equipment.

The introduction of the AMPV, particularly the M1287 Mortar Carrier variant, is part of a broader effort to modernize the U.S. military's ground forces. The AMPV family of vehicles offers improvements in protection, mobility, and interoperability, ensuring that U.S. ground forces can operate more effectively in diverse and challenging environments.

This live-firing exercise not only showcases the operational readiness of the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment but also signals the U.S. Army's ongoing efforts to modernize its forces and maintain a technological edge over potential adversaries. The AMPV M1287 Mortar Carrier is expected to play a pivotal role in future operations, providing ground troops with a reliable and powerful support system that can adapt to the complexities of modern warfare.

The event has drawn attention to the continuous investment and innovation in military hardware, highlighting the importance of advanced armaments in national defense strategies. As the U.S. Army integrates more of these advanced platforms into its operations, the focus remains on ensuring that its forces are equipped with the most effective and cutting-edge tools available to face any challenge on the global stage.

The U.S. Army AMPV M1287 is armed with an M121 120mm Mortar System coupled to the M95 Mortar Fire Control System. (Picture source 1-64 Armor Facebook account)

The AMPV M1287 is a new Tracked Mortar Carrier armored vehicle that will replace the old M106 and M125 mortar carrier based on M113 tracked APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) for deployment with U.S. Army Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). The vehicle is designed to deliver rapid, responsive, and heavy mortar fire support during fast-paced offensive operations.

Central to the M1287's operational capacity is the M121 Mortar System, a 120mm mortar known for its extensive range and versatility. The system can engage targets up to approximately 7,200 meters away, providing the ABCT with a powerful tool for shaping the battlefield, disrupting enemy forces, and supporting friendly maneuvers with precision and reliability. The M121 is capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, enabling it to perform a wide range of tactical roles, from delivering high-explosive rounds for direct impact to deploying smoke and illumination rounds for concealment and signaling.

Complementing the firepower of the M121 is the M95 Mortar Fire Control System, which significantly enhances the mortar crew's ability to quickly and accurately target and engage the enemy. This advanced system integrates targeting software, GPS, and communications tools to facilitate rapid target acquisition and engagement, allowing for swift adjustments to firing parameters based on real-time battlefield information. This ensures that the M1287 can deliver its ordinance with pinpoint accuracy, adapting to the dynamic conditions of modern combat environments.

The M1287 Mortar Carrier accommodates a crew of four soldiers, including one vehicle operator and three mortar crew members, ensuring efficient operation of both the vehicle and the mortar system. This crew configuration allows the M1287 to swiftly respond to the operational demands of the ABCT it supports.

Constructed on a robust tracked chassis, the M1287 Mortar Carrier offers exceptional mobility across a variety of terrains, from mud and snow to rugged off-road conditions, ensuring it can keep pace with the ABCT's other armored assets. This mobility, combined with its significant firepower and advanced targeting capabilities, establishes the M1287 as a crucial element in the tactical operations of ABCTs, providing the immediate and responsive fire support necessary for the success of modern offensive operations.

Defense News January 2024