Mortars are classified as artillery weapons designed to strike targets that cannot be directly observed by the crew, hence they are referred to as “indirect fire.” This term emphasizes the ability of mortars to launch shells at a high angle and short range to hit targets located behind natural barriers or fortifications, which cannot be reached by direct fire.
This mortar is characterized by several advantages, most notably its lightweight, making it an ideal weapon providing high protection for artillery teams due to its ability to reach any hostile forces while they are fortified behind nearby natural obstacles. Russia has developed this mortar on a self-propelled vehicle, giving it high maneuverability and allowing it to be used in a record time compared to other mortars of the same caliber, according to the Russian site “Rosoboronexport.”
The “Drozd-82” mortar is designed to bombard light fortifications and lightly armored vehicles and can also be used against enemy forward observation points with shells or smoke shells that impede their ability to observe and monitor. Additionally, the mortar can be equipped with a 7.62 mm machine gun with a capacity of 500 rounds.
The site noted that although the primary mission of the mortar is to launch indirect fire, the mortar’s barrel is designed to be aimed at a low angle for direct fire on targets within the crew’s line of sight. Russia has equipped this mortar with six grenade launchers, enhancing protection levels against weapons using laser-guided systems.
