An 82mm mortar crew with Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade targets specific sections of enemy fortifications, with targets spotted and rounds adjusted by drone. If the drone footage is legitimate and the locations identified by the drone are actually being engaged by that mortar crew, then the fire is quite accurate. The original post indicates that they targeted and destroyed a particular system, location, or piece of equipment, but my translating skills we unable to determine the enemy assets engaged. If any members of the Funker community can contribute additional information regarding the target, your contribution would be welcome.

Mortars are considered more responsive than artillery, can adjust quickly, and can displace rapidly to support advancing infantry. If this video is legitimate then the accuracy is impressive, and the method of engagement represents an evolution of the traditional targeting and call for fire procedures on which I was trained. I am curious when U.S. services will begin incorporating small, off the shelf drones for reconnaissance and calls for fire. So far, there is no indication from my sources of any significant changes in USMC methods.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through sailing.