Marine Corps to receive new precision guided mortar rounds

11 Dec 2015 | Courtesy Story The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

Marine Corps Systems Command has awarded a $98 million contract to build a new precision extended range munition, called PERM, which will double the range and provide GPS accuracy to the existing expeditionary fire support system.

Raytheon Co. Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, was selected to make the munition. Raytheon was awarded a five-year, indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity contract which will include production verification and technical documentation, and production orders. PERM is being developed for the Expeditionary Fire Support System. The EFSS is the ship-to-objective maneuver element’s primary indirect fire support system. 

The new 120mm PERM will increase the range of the EFSS, enabling Marines to hit targets up to 10 miles away compared to the current range of five. PERM also expands EFSS’ abilities to conduct expeditionary operations while minimizing collateral damage and increasing first-round effects against high-value targets.

The EFSS can be deployed aboard amphibious ships with a small logistics footprint or inserted vertically by the MV-22 Osprey. Once ashore EFSS provides sustained, responsive, 24/7 artillery support with a highly lethal suite of munitions.

Currently in testing, PERM is expected to be delivered in fiscal year 2018 with a total munitions requirement of 3,113 rounds. 

MCSC oversees the development, acquisition and lifecycle logistics of Marine Corps ground weapon and information technology system programs.