Thales has been awarded a contract from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems to provide 120mm rifled mortar ammunition to the US Marine Corps (USMC).

The $50m contract, in support of the expeditionary fire support system (EFSS) programme, will provide fire support capability from amphibious ships, CH-53 helicopters and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

The EFSS system has been deployed recently to support USMC combat operations in Afghanistan.