Nibe Limited demonstrates 120mm Garudastra mortar to Indian Army at Mhow
Pune-based defence manufacturer Nibe Limited conducted a live demonstration of its 120mm vehicle-mounted mortar system, named Garudastra, for the Indian Army at the Infantry School in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, on June 17, 2026. The evaluation, carried out on a no-cost-no-commitment basis, allowed the army to assess the system's performance in simulated battlefield conditions without any acquisition obligation.
The trial commenced with a tactical shoot-and-scoot manoeuvre, a critical capability for modern artillery to avoid enemy counter-battery fire. The Garudastra system moved into a firing position in less than 30 seconds, engaged a target with two rounds within 15 seconds, and then relocated from that position in under 15 seconds — all while maintaining accuracy. It subsequently shifted to a secondary firing point and re-engaged the target with the same precision.
The demonstration then highlighted the mortar's high-volume firepower. A two-member crew successfully fired 12 rounds in just 60 seconds, a rate that underscores the system's fire support potential. Another key feature was the execution of a Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) mission. In this drill, three rounds were fired on different trajectories and flight paths but impacted the target at the same instant, a technique that enhances lethality and reduces the enemy's reaction time.
The pinnacle of the trial came with the firing of a precision-guided munition. Guided by GPS and laser systems, the round scored a direct hit on a 3-metre by 3-metre target at a range of up to 10 kilometres, demonstrating the weapon's pinpoint accuracy. Nibe Limited stated that the 17-kg penetrating warhead of the Garudastra is capable of defeating reinforced concrete structures, making it suitable for a variety of combat scenarios.
The company emphasised that the successful demonstration reinforces its commitment to strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing. Nibe Limited has developed the Garudastra through a strategic collaboration with its original equipment manufacturer partners based in Israel, aligning with the Government of India's 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiatives. The mortar system is designed to provide accurate indirect fire support for mechanised infantry and other units, and its vehicle-mounted configuration allows for enhanced mobility and survivability on the battlefield.
The Indian Army has been actively seeking to modernise its artillery and mortar capabilities, particularly with systems that offer rapid deployment and precision strike. The evaluation of Garudastra at the premier Infantry School indicates the army's interest in indigenous solutions that can meet operational requirements. If found suitable after further trials, such systems could significantly boost the firepower of mechanised formations.
