The 81 mm Type E44 mortar was designed by Hellenic Arms Industry (EBO) SA to provide quick, accurate and effective firepower at battalion or company level. The E44 is a conventional drop fire mortar using a K-type bipod mounting on which all levelling can be carried out on one leg. The E44 mortar can fire most types of 81 mm projectile. In mid-1999 it was announced that the Greek Ministry of Defence had ordered 475 E44 mortars, with an option on a further 450. The first lot of 80 mortars is to be delivered in November 2000. This contract will be spread over three years.