US Army to receive first ISV-U-mounted Scorpion Light mortar next week

The United States Army awarded a $12.9 million prototype agreement for an autonomous, digitally enabled 81 mm Scorpion Light mortar mounted on the Infantry Squad Vehicle–Utility. The system combines the Army’s digital fire-control architecture with government-furnished M253 barrels, giving light formations a mobile indirect-fire option designed for rapid employment and reduced crew burden. The first vehicle-mounted example was expected within days of the announcement, but the award covers prototyping and integration rather than a decision to field the system broadly. The Army did not disclose the number of prototype systems ordered.