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 of light infantry, air assault, and airborne units across the entire front of a battalion zone of influence.[1][2]
Many countries use or have 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]