On Sunday, February 8, 2026, the opening day of World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh (WDS; scheduled to run through February 12), Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák announced the signing of a framework agreement with the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan for the delivery of AM120 120 mm self-propelled mortars (Automatický mínomet kalibru 120 mm).
Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG
According to the minister, the framework agreement reflects two key areas in which Slovakia intends to develop cooperation with the Ministry of Defense Industry of Azerbaijan. He added that the project marks a new direction for Slovakia and expressed satisfaction with the trust placed in the country.
“Other countries are also interested in this matter,” the minister emphasized.
The framework agreement, with a maximum value of 650 million EUR, provides for the delivery of up to 300 mortars. The first implementing contract covers an initial batch of 96 mortars worth 210 million EUR. On the Slovak side, the agreement was signed by Miroslav Sim, Director of ZTS-Špecial.
It was announced that the Slovak arms manufacturer ZTS-Špecial, part of the defense holding DMD Group, which is controlled by the Ministry of Defense, will begin production immediately so that the first system can be presented at the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX) in Baku, scheduled for September 30 to October 2 this year.
The framework agreement also provides for licensing talks with the possibility of launching partial local production in Azerbaijan. One of the partners involved is Iglin Scientific Production Enterprise, subordinate to the Ministry of Defense Industry.
AM120 Export Success
It remains unclear in which configuration the mortars for Azerbaijan will be delivered. So far, the manufacturer has presented the system mounted on a Tatra Trucks Tatra Force 815-7 6×6 chassis. The system made its debut at IDEB Defence & Security in Bratislava and was subsequently showcased at IDET 2025 in Brno, Czech Republic, as well as at MSPO in Kielce, Poland.
The chassis features a Puma L2 Long armored cab, providing protection for two to four crew members. The automated turret enables remote operation of the mortar from inside the vehicle, with a backup operator station in the turret for redundancy. The Tatra platform ensures high mobility thanks to a 300 kW engine, allowing for a maximum road speed of up to 90 km/h.
The 120 mm mortar offers a firing range of 504 to 8,600 meters, with a rate of fire of 18–20 rounds per minute and a carousel autoloader accommodating up to 60 mortar rounds. The system features an elevation range of 40° to 80°, a full 360° turret traverse, and a LANSYS fire control system developed by Kerametal.
The vehicle measures 8,340 mm in length, 3,220 mm in height, and 2,550 mm in width. The unit price is estimated at 1.5–2 million USD.