Serbia officially revealed its new 203mm TSMB 6×6 wheeled self-propelled mortar carrier during the Partner 2025 defense exhibition in Belgrade. Mounted on the FAP 2026 tactical truck chassis, the platform combines heavy firepower with exceptional mobility, representing a major leap forward in European artillery development.
Built around a modernized M-65 howitzer, the TSMB features an extended 203mm barrel capable of engaging targets at ranges from 6 to 12.5 kilometers. Unlike traditional towed artillery, this vehicle provides rapid deployment, high survivability, and is purpose-built to destroy hardened enemy positions, bunkers, and entrenched targets. Its four-person crew—driver, commander, gunner, and loader’s assistant—operates the system with the help of an automatic loading mechanism and advanced digital fire-control suite, ensuring sustained operations.
The system achieves a rate of fire of up to three rounds per minute, firing 100 kg projectiles with 28 kg explosive payloads. Its 75-meter destructive radius makes it highly effective for saturation fire missions. The TSMB supports a wide range of advanced ammunition types, including HE, cluster, thermobaric, and rocket-assisted projectiles, giving commanders flexibility for both mountainous terrain and urban warfare scenarios.
What sets the TSMB apart is its integration of modern battlefield electronics. It includes an inertial navigation system, a digital ballistic computer with embedded targeting software, secure radio communications, and a dedicated gunner’s display. Together, these features allow faster targeting, improved first-shot accuracy, and real-time coordination with command units.
According to technical data, the mortar offers an elevation range of 0° to 75° and a traverse of ±23.5°, enabling wide arc engagements without vehicle repositioning. Capable of reaching speeds of 80 km/h and operating up to 600 km, the TSMB is optimized for “shoot-and-scoot” tactics and rapid maneuver operations. Weighing under 19 tons, it is also positioned as an affordable heavy-firepower solution for international customers.
The debut of the TSMB 203mm highlights Serbia’s ambition to strengthen its presence in the land-warfare sector. As artillery regains prominence on modern battlefields, platforms like the TSMB represent a shift toward high-caliber, highly mobile firepower — now enhanced by precision digital targeting.
