81 mm mortar

An 81 mm mortar is a medium-weight mortar. It is a smooth-bore, muzzle-loading, high-angle-of-fire weapon used for long-range indirect fire support to light infantry, air assault, and airborne units across the entire front of a battalion zone of influence.[1][2]

81mm L16 mortar

Many countries use or used an 81 mm mortar in their armed forces. Examples are:

• Canada - L16 81mm mortar
• Finland – 81 KRH 71 Y
• France – Brandt Mle 27/31
• Germany – Granatwerfer 34
• Greece – E44-E 81 mm Mortar
• Italy – Mortaio da 81/14 Modello 35
• Myanmar – BA-90 and MA-8
• United Kingdom – L16 81mm mortar
• United States – M252 mortar
• Turkey – MKE 81mm UT1[3] & MKE 81mm NT1[4]

Warsaw Pact countries and China use a similar 82 mm caliber for the same purpose.[2]