HM‑16 120 mm Mortar

Reading Time: < 1 minute The HM‑16 is an Iranian 120 mm smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded mortar, designed to provide medium to heavy indirect fire support at the company or battalion level. Part of Iran’s Hadid family (60/81/82/120 mm), it is produced by domestic defence industries and has been observed in use by several international operators including the Bangladesh Army. Role and Employment The HM‑16 delivers high-explosive, smoke, and illumination rounds in support of manoeuvre units. It is suitable for suppression, interdiction, and target neutralisation. The system can be disassembled for transport by artillery troops or mounted on light vehicles for rapid deployment and shoot-and-scoot operations. It is widely considered a derivative of established 120 mm mortar designs. Technical Specifications Calibre: 120 mm Crew: 2–3 personnel Weight (total/manoeuvre): ~140 kg Barrel Length: ~1,720–1,726 mm Elevation: +45° to +85° Traverse: 360° Rate of Fire: ~10 rounds per minute Maximum Range: Standard HE: ~6,500 m Long-range rounds: 7,200–7,500 m Rocket-assisted/extended rounds: up