Royal Marines mortarmen on exercise
Self-propelled mortar BvS 10 / L16A2 in position
The British Armed Forces regularly conduct various exercises at northern training grounds to hone their personnel's skills in the harsh Arctic climate. Another such event was recently held in Norway. This time, mortar crews from the Royal Marines demonstrated their skills and abilities in challenging conditions. It is expected that in a hypothetical armed conflict, they would be able to defend NATO's northeastern flank.
At the Norwegian training ground
The UK Defence Ministry announced the mortar exercises on February 11. Previously, the British Army, as part of NATO cooperation, deployed approximately 1500 of its troops, along with various equipment and weapons, to bases and training grounds in Norway. They are now participating in various training events.
British mortar exercises began in early February. Crews from the 40th and 45th Special Forces Battalions (40 Commando and 45 Commando) of the 3rd Special Forces Brigade participated. They were also joined by tracked vehicle crews from Viking Squadron, part of the Commando Logistic Regiment.
The exercise was held at a training ground near the village of Moen, located practically in the northernmost part of Norway. There, mortar crews had to engage a simulated enemy and practice their operations in the harsh Arctic climate.
Mortarmen with a portable/transportable L16A2
The exercise involved a fully-fledged mortar battery, complete with equipment, weapons, ammunition, and other equipment. The unit is armed with self-propelled 81mm L16A2 mortars. The mortars and their crews are transported on tracked two-link BvS 10 Viking and Bv 206 vehicles. The mortar crews also had access to a full complement of ammunition and various equipment necessary for operations in the Arctic.
For several days, British mortar crews completed combat training missions simulating actual combat operations. They practiced moving across mountainous, snow-covered terrain and quickly changing firing positions. They also practiced firing at targets at different times of day. Various firing techniques and methods were demonstrated. The mortars were fired from the ground and from tracked vehicles.
Political significance
Overall, the Defense Ministry highly values the results of the recent exercises. The marine mortar crews confirmed their proficiency and demonstrated their ability to operate even in the most challenging conditions. This demonstrates the readiness of its troops to participate in defending NATO's northeastern borders. They will be able to accomplish this task independently or in collaboration with colleagues from other countries.
Predictably, the British Defence Ministry is making no secret of which country it views as a potential adversary. In connection with the recent exercises, they once again brought up the usual themes about the Russian threat, aggression, and so on. The implication is that in a hypothetical conflict in the Arctic, British mortar crews would be fighting the Russian army.
Claims of fighting Russia in the context of mortar firing exercises are quite interesting. It must be acknowledged that the British soldiers did demonstrate excellent training and skill in handling their equipment and weapons. Furthermore, they coped with sub-zero temperatures, thick snow, and other typical Arctic conditions.
However, a mortar battery or batteries from the British Marines do not appear to be a sufficient force capable of effectively confronting the Russian army. Even the 1,500-strong British contingent recently deployed to Norway raises similar doubts and questions.
Material part
Nevertheless, it's worth taking a closer look at the British Marines' mortar crews, their weapons, and their equipment. As recent exercises have demonstrated, they are truly capable of combat operations even in challenging conditions, and they shouldn't be ignored.
According to available information, the Royal Marines have a limited fleet of their own artilleryIt has a total of 12 towed L118 105mm guns, as well as up to 50 L16A2 mortars. About 30 mortars are carried. They are delivered to the firing position by the crew or by suitable transport, after which they are prepared. For example, during recent exercises, articulated Bv 206 all-terrain vehicles could have been used as such transport.
The Marines also have self-propelled mortars. These are BvS 10 Viking two-unit transporters, the rear hull of which has an open platform and a mounting device for an 81mm mortar. Combat vehicles of this type can begin firing almost immediately after arriving at a position.
Technical features
The BvS 10 and Bv 206 are Swedish-made, two-section, articulated tracked carriers. These vehicles feature a distinctive design and an unladen weight of up to 4,5-5 tons. The two hulls of these carriers are designed to transport personnel or cargo, and also allow for the mounting of certain weapons.
The BvS 10 self-propelled mortar version features a rear hull with folding sides and a tarpaulin. A rotating platform with a bipod is located in the center of the hull. A standard 81mm mortar is mounted on it. The mortar mounting hardware allows for aiming in two planes. The carrier also has stowage for several dozen rounds.
The L16A2 is a standard modern mortar carrier. It is a smoothbore weapon 81mm caliber with a 50-inch (1280 mm) barrel. Manual muzzle loading. The full range of NATO 81mm mortar rounds can be used. Depending on the type and weight of the ammunition, its muzzle velocity can reach 225 m/s. The firing range of basic high-explosive fragmentation mortar rounds is up to 5,6-5,8 km.
Night shooting
The mortar has a standard panoramic sight designed for firing from indirect positions. When mounted on a self-propelled platform, the weapon retains its standard sight. However, the tracked carrier can be equipped with electronic navigation and communication systems that simplify preparation for firing and calculation of necessary data.
In its basic configuration, the L16A2 is equipped with a base plate and a bipod of a distinctive design. In the self-propelled version, the base plate and bipod are transported on a transporter. If necessary, the crew can remove the mortar from the self-propelled platform and fire from the ground.
Ambiguous Results
The UK, like other NATO countries, is making plans to develop the Arctic. It is also attempting to expand its presence in the region and demonstrate its power. The recent Royal Marines mortar exercises should be viewed not only as a training exercise but also as a signal to a potential adversary—Russia.
It can be acknowledged that the British mortar crews accomplished their missions. Even in the challenging conditions of the northern Norwegian training ground, they were able to fully utilize their transportable and self-propelled mortars and engage training targets.
However, the training and skills of personnel are far from always decisive. For example, in the case of the Royal Marines, there is a quantitative issue. The total number of mortars at their disposal does not exceed fifty, of which only two dozen are mounted on self-propelled platforms.
Swedish-made articulated carriers have obvious advantages, and 81mm mortars, when used correctly, remain an effective weapon. However, their numbers are too small to have any impact on hypothetical combat operations even within the limited theater of operations in northern Scandinavia.
The attempt to pressure Russia with such forces and contingents is perplexing. Moreover, it could be the subject of jokes—very offensive to the British Army and NATO as a whole. Nevertheless, the UK has not abandoned its plans and continues to "pressure" our country and "defend" NATO's eastern borders. It appears that the British military and political leadership has bought into its own propaganda about Russia's weakness and is therefore unable to soberly assess the situation and understand the true balance of power.
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