Solutions to win: Ukrainian manufacturer boosts production of 60-mm mortar mines
Photo: Ukrainian Armor
The companies under JSC "Ukrainian Defense Industry," also known as "Ukroboronprom," are gradually increasing the production of 60-mm mortar rounds.
According to Ukroboronprom's press service, the General Director of JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry, Herman Smetanin, said this during the Ukraine-EU Defense Industries Forum.
What is the problem?
Although the mine has the smallest caliber among existing options – only 60 mm – and a firing range of approximately 2.5 km, it remains an incredibly effective anti-personnel tool when used in large numbers.
Mines can be strategically positioned at the battle line by the soldiers to eliminate the enemy's troops directly.
They can also provide added fire support during the attack and can fire up to 45 rounds in just 3 minutes.
What is the solution?
Smetanin emphasized that the enterprises of "Ukroboronprom" are doing everything possible to increase the production of weapons and military equipment both at domestic facilities and at those located outside Ukraine's borders.
How does it work?
"The company's enterprises have not only established and scaled up the serial production of artillery shells and mortar mines of Soviet caliber but are also gradually moving to the production of ammunition of NATO caliber—60-mm mortar mines," Smetanin said.
It's worth mentioning that the ammunition is provided following the NATO method, in which the mine, projectile charges, cartridge, and detonator are all supplied in a sealed tube. This means the mine is immediately available for use and doesn't need any preparation at the firing positions.
The General Director of JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry emphasized that thanks to the work of the Ministry of Strategic Industries, Ukraine managed to attract a significant amount of Ukrainian funds for scaling up the production of products, in particular ammunition. However, capacity is currently approximately three times higher than the available funding level.
"We understand that our own capacities, even with a significant increase in production, are not enough to wage war on parity terms.
Therefore, the task of the enterprises of Ukroboronprom and the allies of Ukraine is to provide our Defense Forces with sufficient ammunition to liberate the temporarily occupied territories," the head of Ukroboronprom concluded.
For reference:
Even during the era of the USSR, the Soviet army disregarded this type of weaponry despite having firsthand experience with the effectiveness of 50-mm mortars used by Germans in World War II, which were distributed directly to platoons and held equal significance to machine guns.
Although the 60-mm mortars have less firepower than the 82-mm ones, their smaller size and ability to be lowered to a lower level make them equally, if not more effective, due to their greater mobility. Ukraine's armed forces actively utilize the 60-mm mortars, particularly the American M224.
Photo: US DoD
The "Camerton" M60–16 60-mm mortar, produced by Mayak, a part of Ukroboronprom, was introduced to the military in 2017. It is noteworthy that Ukrainian Armored Vehicles also manufacture their 60-mm mortar.
Photo: Ukrainian Armor
It should be noted that JSC Ukrainian Armor has fully resumed the production of mortars of various calibers and has already supplied the Ukrainian army with more than 600 units this year alone.
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