The press service of the 210th Assault Regiment has released photos showcasing the training of its troops, prominently featuring Alakran mobile mortar systems (also known as Scorpion in the U.S.) mounted on Spanish URO VAMTAC armored vehicles.
Besides providing a rare opportunity to see this weapon system in use by the Ukrainian Defense Forces, first delivered around mid-2023, the published materials also showcase an interesting detail: Ukrainians practice deploying Alakran to support assault operations.
Read more: The Scorpion Self-Propelled Mortar, Which Recently Appeared on the Battlefield, Accurately "Stings" the russians
While the exact number of Alakran systems transferred by Spain to Ukraine remains undisclosed, their technical specifications are well-documented. The system is available in two variants, 81 mm and 120 mm calibers.
For the 120 mm version, the maximum firing range is 8 kilometers, while the 81 mm variant has a range of 6.5 kilometers. The weapon achieves a firing rate of 12 rounds in the first minute, sustaining up to 4 rounds per minute thereafter. It requires only 3 to 5 seconds to aim or re-aim, and can be deployed or folded for transport within 30 seconds.
This combination of power and mobility makes the Alakran a versatile tool on the battlefield. It is well-suited for countering "cannon fodder assaults" of russian infantry and, as demonstrated, for providing fire support to allied forces.
On the Ukrainian frontlines, where the pervasive threat of cheap yet deadly kamikaze drones demands rapid repositioning, the system’s mobility and quick deployment capabilities can make the difference in ensuring the mortar team's survival when executing quick shoot-and-scoot strikes.
Worth noting, Ukraine's ongoing focus on developing and implementing new methods and equipment of anti-drone warfare is an important factor that enables the use of systems like Alakran/Scorpion by the Ukrainian military.
Read more: Spain Emerges as the Largest Donor of Leopard 2 Tanks to Ukraine
