U.S. Marine Corps tests Scorpion Light Mortar System

At U.S. Marine Corps Base Quantico last week, Global Military Products and Polaris Government and Defense joined a live-fire event showcasing the Scorpion Light mobile mortar system, also known internationally as the Alakran.

The demonstration took place during the Marine Gunners Symposium and was observed by a group of Marine gunners.

The Scorpion Light system, mounted on the Polaris MRZR Alpha 6×6, displayed its “shoot and scoot” capability — firing and relocating within minutes. The integrated platform was designed to provide mobility, lethality, operator safety, and rapid air transportability for expeditionary forces.

The MRZR Alpha 6×6 variant enabled the system to carry up to 48 mortar rounds, thanks to its expanded cargo capacity. The vehicle’s third axle, larger cargo bed, and short wheelbase improve stability and performance in soft soil, mud, and other difficult terrain, while maintaining top speed and air transportability.

The Scorpion Light/Alakran system has already been combat-proven in Europe and the Middle East, demonstrating durability in harsh conditions including extreme heat, dust, and rugged terrain. Built with resilient materials, it integrates both 120mm and 81mm smoothbore or rifled mortars, allowing flexible configuration for different missions.

Its automated fire control system enables operators to fire up to eight rounds and relocate in under two minutes, ensuring survivability and rapid response in combat environments. The system’s design reflects growing demand for mobile, adaptable fire support in irregular and hybrid warfare scenarios.

The Polaris-built MRZR Alpha 6×6 is a two-seat, expeditionary vehicle offering a 65 percent larger cargo bed than the base MRZR Alpha. Of its 3,600-pound payload capacity, 3,000 pounds can be allocated to the extended cargo bed, allowing it to carry heavy weapon systems like the Scorpion Light.

The design maintains more than 90 percent parts commonality with the standard MRZR Alpha, reducing logistics burdens. Its lightweight construction and modular build allow transport by tactical aircraft, fixed-wing platforms, and naval vessels, making it a suitable option for Marine and special operations units that require high mobility in remote environments.

As expeditionary units increasingly operate in austere or contested environments, platforms like the Scorpion Light on the MRZR Alpha 6×6 offer a flexible solution that combines firepower with speed of deployment.