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120 KRH 92
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The 120 KRH 92 (Finnish: 120 mm kranaatinheitin, malli 1992) is a 120 mm mortar manufactured in Finland.
Key Information
Design
[edit]The KRH 92 is a conventional 120 mm (4.7 in) smoothbore mortar, with a high tensile-strength steel alloy barrel and baseplate. The KHR 92 is a sturdy weapon and stable in all kinds of terrain. It is designed for quick employment and redeployment: it takes less than a minute to emplace the mortar. The baseplate provides a full 360° traverse without the need of moving it.[3]
Two versions of the KRH 92 were developed: a long-range version capable of firing a mortar bomb (either by simply dropping it inside the barrel or pulling the trigger) at a distance of 8,600 m (28,200 ft) and lighter version with a shorter barrel with a range of 7,300 m (24,000 ft).[3]
The light version, which is the standard 120 mm mortar of the Finnish Army has a shorter barrel, a modified carriage, the bipod is made of high-strength aluminum instead of steel, and the firing mechanism is simplified, being capable of drop firing only. But the firing pin can be retracted by pulling a lever to clear misfires or interrupt firing.[2]
The KRH 92 can be mounted and fired (at a 54° angle) from the trailer unit of a Patria tracked articulated vehicle.[4]
The mortar has seen use during the Russo-Ukrainian War with Ukrainian forces. For security reasons, Finland has not officially disclosed the quantity or exact types of equipment supplied to Ukraine.[5]
Operators
[edit]
See also
[edit]- List of heavy mortars
- M120 120 mm mortar 120 mm mortar
- 2B11 Sani 120 mm mortar
- 2S12 Sani 120 mm mortar
- Cardom 120 mm recoil mortar system
- Soltam K6 120 mm mortar
- Soltam M-65 120 mm mortar
- 120mm M2 raiado 120 mm mortar
- Mortier 120mm Rayé Tracté Modèle F1 120 mm mortar
References
[edit]- ^ "Raskas kranaatinheitin 120 KRH" [Heavy mortar 120 KRH] (in Finnish). Maavoimat / Finnish army. Archived from the original on 2017-06-23. Retrieved 2017-07-22.
- ^ a b Jones & Ness 2010, p. 529.
- ^ a b Hogg 1994, p. 377.
- ^ "Articulated Tracked Mortar Carrier 120 KHR TEKA". Puolustusvoimat. The Finnish Defence Forces. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
- ^ Kushnikov, Vadim (20 January 2023). "Finland transfers heavy armament and ammunition to Ukraine as the largest aid package to date". Militarnyi. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
- ^ IISS 2025, p. 87.
- ^ IISS 2025a, p. 200.
Bibliography
[edit]- Hogg, Ian V, ed. (1994). Jane's Infantry Weapons 1994-1995 (20th ed.). Surrey: Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-1159-8.
- International Institute for Strategic Studies (11 February 2025). "Chapter Three: Europe". The Military Balance. 125 (1). Taylor & Francis: 152–205. doi:10.1080/04597222.2025.2445475. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
- International Institute for Strategic Studies (11 February 2025). "Chapter Four: Russia and Eurasia". The Military Balance. 125 (1). Taylor & Francis: 152–205. doi:10.1080/04597222.2025.2445476. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
- Jones, Richard D; Ness, Leland S, eds. (2010). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2010−2011 (36th ed.). Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-2908-1.
External links
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120 KRH 92
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Development and History
Origins in Finnish Artillery Doctrine
The Finnish artillery doctrine, emphasizing decentralized, organic indirect fire to support infantry in defensive operations across challenging terrain, originated from interwar innovations and wartime necessities, particularly the proven utility of heavy mortars in countering superior enemy numbers. General Vilho Petter Nenonen, as inspector of artillery in the 1920s and 1930s, advocated for mathematically precise fire control methods and domestic production of mortars to enable concentrated barrages and rapid response, compensating for Finland's limited manpower and resources in a potential conflict with the Soviet Union. This approach prioritized mortars over towed field guns for their portability in forested and marshy environments, allowing battalions to deliver high-volume suppressive fire without reliance on vulnerable supply lines.[5][6] The Winter War (1939–1940) validated this doctrine when Finnish forces captured Soviet PM-38 120 mm mortars, which provided effective long-range support against dug-in positions where lighter 81 mm mortars fell short, influencing post-war commitments to heavy calibre systems. By 1940, domestic production of the Tampella 120 Krh/40 commenced, with 377 units delivered by 1946, integrating into infantry units for tactical fires that disrupted enemy advances during the Continuation War (1941–1944). Nenonen's tactics, including pre-planned fire concentrations, underscored mortars' role in asymmetric defense, where mobility and quick emplacement enabled survival against massed assaults.[7][8] Post-World War II reconstruction reinforced this emphasis, evolving into a total defense strategy under the 1945–1985 doctrinal framework, which allocated significant resources to mortars for organic battalion-level support amid geographic constraints like poor roads and dispersed forces. The 120 KRH 92, entering service in the early 1990s as a successor to aging Krh/40 and Krh/85 models, embodied these principles through designs enabling emplacement in under one minute and redeployment for maneuver warfare, ensuring sustained firepower in prolonged territorial resistance. This continuity reflects causal priorities: empirical success of heavy mortars in WWII, combined with first-principles needs for cost-effective, terrain-adapted lethality over politically influenced alternatives.[9][10]Design and Production Timeline
The 120 KRH 92, designated as kranaatinheitin malli 1992 (mortar model 1992), was designed as an evolutionary upgrade to prior Finnish 120 mm mortar systems, incorporating refinements for improved handling and durability while retaining compatibility with established ammunition types. Development drew from Finland's long-standing emphasis on domestic artillery production, which originated in the 1930s under the influence of Major General Vilho Nenonen, who prioritized self-reliant heavy weapons capabilities. The specific design process for the 92 model focused on enhancing the baseplate and mounting for faster emplacement and greater stability over the World War II-era 120 Krh/40, whose limited production had commenced in late 1940 after the Winter War.[7][3] Finalization of the 120 KRH 92 design occurred in 1992, marking its standardization for Finnish Defence Forces use and the phase-out of older variants like the 120 Krh/40 and limited 120 Krh/85 training models. Production responsibility fell to Vammas Oy, a specialist in Finnish artillery manufacturing later integrated into Patria Group operations. Manufacturing emphasized modular construction for field maintenance, with output scaled to support battalion-level indirect fire requirements; the Finnish Army ultimately acquired approximately 822 units, of which around 698 remain in active and reserve service.[2] By the mid-1990s, the 120 KRH 92 had entered widespread operational deployment, replacing legacy systems and forming the backbone of Finland's heavy mortar inventory through the 2000s. Production tapered as inventories stabilized, though maintenance and limited upgrades continued domestically to address evolving tactical needs, such as integration with modern fire control systems. No major variants were produced beyond the baseline towed configuration, reflecting a doctrine prioritizing reliability over proliferation of specialized sub-models.[7][2]Adoption by Finnish Forces
The 120 KRH 92, designated as a 120 mm heavy mortar model of 1992, entered service with the Finnish Defence Forces in the early 1990s to provide indirect fire support for infantry battalions and companies.[11] [12] This towed system, weighing approximately 500 kg, was manufactured by Vammas Oy and designed for rapid deployment in varied terrain, aligning with Finland's emphasis on mobile artillery for territorial defense.[13] [12] Adoption of the 120 KRH 92 replaced or supplemented older 120 mm mortars, such as the 120 KRH 40 and 120 KRH 85, with the latter models retained primarily for training purposes.[1] The Finnish Army procured around 698 units, establishing it as the primary heavy mortar in inventory for applying high-explosive, illumination, and smoke munitions.[1] [2] Its integration into motorized and dismounted units enhanced firepower at tactical levels without reliance on heavier field artillery.[12]Design and Technical Features
Barrel and Baseplate Construction
The barrel of the 120 KRH 92 is a smoothbore tube manufactured from high tensile-strength steel alloy to ensure durability under repeated high-pressure firings, with a reported weight of approximately 100 kg.[14][2] This construction follows conventional mortar design principles, prioritizing resistance to barrel wear and deformation from propellant gases and projectile impacts.[14] The baseplate shares the same high tensile-strength steel alloy composition, enabling it to effectively absorb and transmit recoil impulses into the ground while minimizing movement during sustained fire.[14] Its robust form supports the mortar's total operational weight of around 280 kg and transport weight of approximately 500 kg, contributing to stability on varied terrains without requiring specialized anchoring.[2][1] This material choice reflects Patria's engineering focus on longevity and reliability in field conditions, as evidenced by its use in both towed and integrated systems.[15]Mounting and Mobility Systems
The 120 KRH 92 utilizes a conventional smoothbore mortar mounting system featuring a high-tensile steel alloy baseplate and bipod assembly for stabilization during firing. This setup allows for adjustable elevation and traverse, with the mounting weighing approximately 70 kg independently of the 100 kg barrel.[16] The baseplate anchors the mortar into the ground to absorb recoil, while the bipod supports the barrel and enables fine adjustments for indirect fire support.[12] For mobility, the system disassembles into components totaling around 500 kg in transport configuration, including a 215 kg towing carriage (drive) for attachment to light vehicles and a 120 kg ammunition rack. This towed design prioritizes rapid repositioning across Finnish terrain, with the operational weight reducing to 280 kg when emplaced without the transport elements.[16] [3] The mortar integrates with vehicle-mounted platforms for enhanced battlefield mobility, such as the Patria TEKA articulated tracked carrier, where it mounts on the rear unit for direct firing capability without dismounting. This configuration supports Finnish artillery doctrine emphasizing quick deployment in mobile operations.[17] The towing carriage facilitates standard truck or tracked vehicle haulage, while component modularity allows for partial man-portage of lighter elements like the barrel by a small crew in emergencies.[16]Sighting and Auxiliary Equipment
The 120 KRH 92 employs an enhanced aiming system compared to earlier Finnish 120 mm mortars, with adjustments for both stabilization and aiming positioned on the same side of the controls to enable faster alignment during deployment and firing.[7] This design facilitates indirect fire support by allowing the crew to quickly set elevation and deflection based on coordinates from forward observers or a fire direction center. The sight unit, mounted on the bipod, supports manual calculation of firing data using standard mortar tables or basic analog aids, achieving effective ranges up to 7.5 km without advanced digital integration in the baseline model.[12][7] Auxiliary equipment for the 120 KRH 92 includes essential deployment tools such as leveling devices integrated into the baseplate and bipod for ensuring stable orientation on uneven terrain, along with protractors and aiming stakes for initial site alignment.[7] Crews rely on these for rapid setup, typically completing emplacement in under 2 minutes with a standard five-man team, though no dedicated optical rangefinders or laser designators are standard on the towed variant—target acquisition depends on external observer inputs via radio or wire. Illumination capabilities for low-light operations are provided through compatible mortar rounds rather than integral sight optics. Modernized units in Finnish service may incorporate updated night-vision compatible sights, but core auxiliary gear remains focused on mechanical reliability and portability to support battalion-level fire missions.[12][7]Operational Capabilities
Ammunition Types and Performance
The 120 KRH 92 employs standard 120 mm mortar ammunition, including high-explosive (HE) fragmentation rounds for anti-personnel and light structure destruction, smoke rounds for obscuration and signaling, illumination rounds for battlefield lighting, and practice rounds for training. Incendiary or fire projectiles are also compatible for area denial effects. These munitions support indirect fire missions at battalion or company level, with HE rounds providing the primary destructive capability through blast and fragmentation.[12][1] HE fragmentation rounds achieve a muzzle velocity of approximately 362 m/s, enabling effective terminal ballistics against exposed infantry and unarmored targets within the system's engagement envelope. Smoke and illumination variants prioritize non-lethal effects, with illumination rounds typically sustaining visibility over a designated area for several minutes post-impact. Practice rounds mimic ballistic trajectories for crew proficiency without live warheads. All types are fin-stabilized for smoothbore firing, ensuring compatibility with the mortar's 45–80° elevation range.[3] Performance is optimized for rapid deployment, with a sustained rate of fire of 12–15 rounds per minute, allowing bursts of suppressive fire. Maximum effective range extends to 7.5 km, with minimum range around 250 m, permitting flexible engagement from forward positions while minimizing exposure to counter-battery fire. Finnish-produced or NATO-standard equivalents ensure reliable fuze function and propellant consistency, though exact explosive yields vary by round type—HE fillers typically comprising 2–3 kg of high-order explosives like Composition B for enhanced lethality.[12][1][18]Range, Rate of Fire, and Accuracy
The 120 KRH 92 achieves a maximum effective firing range of 7.3 to 7.5 km when using standard high-explosive ammunition, with a minimum range of approximately 250 meters.[1][2] This performance aligns with conventional 120 mm smoothbore mortar systems, where range varies based on charge increments, projectile weight (typically 12.8 kg for fragmentation rounds), and muzzle velocity up to 362 m/s.[19] Its rate of fire supports rapid indirect fire support, reaching 12 to 15 rounds per minute in short bursts, enabling effective suppression or illumination for battalion-level operations.[1][2] Sustained rates are lower to manage barrel heating, though specific limits are not publicly detailed beyond general mortar doctrine emphasizing crew efficiency and ammunition resupply.[20] Accuracy for the 120 KRH 92 relies on manual or auxiliary sighting systems and ballistic computations, yielding performance comparable to contemporary towed 120 mm mortars, with conventional high-explosive rounds exhibiting a circular error probable (CEP) of around 136 meters at maximum range without advanced guidance.[21] Finnish design emphases on stable baseplate and high-tensile barrel contribute to reliable dispersion patterns in field conditions, though precise CEP data for this model remains limited in open sources.[14]Crew Requirements and Deployment
![120 KRH 92 mortar on display][float-right] The 120 KRH 92 is operated by a crew of seven soldiers, comprising a squad leader, gunner, assistant gunner, loader, ammunition bearers, and support personnel responsible for transport and setup. This crew configuration allows for efficient division of labor in loading, aiming, firing, and maintaining the weapon during sustained operations.[22] Deployment begins with towing the mortar, which weighs approximately 500 kg in transport configuration, using vehicles such as Sisu trucks or tracked carriers suited to Finland's varied terrain. At the firing position, the crew dismounts the components—including the 100 kg barrel, 70 kg support, and baseplate—and assembles the system by securing the baseplate into the ground for stability, erecting the bipod, and inserting the barrel. Sighting equipment is then calibrated for indirect fire missions. The entire setup process is optimized for rapidity, enabling support for battalion or company-level engagements with high-explosive, illumination, or smoke rounds.[1][12] In Finnish Defence Forces doctrine, the 120 KRH 92 emphasizes mobility and survivability, with crews trained to execute "shoot and scoot" maneuvers—firing missions followed by immediate displacement to evade enemy counter-fire. This tactical approach leverages the mortar's lightweight design relative to its caliber, facilitating quick redeployment by the crew without heavy mechanical aids.[12]Operators and Combat Employment
Primary Use in Finnish Defence Forces
The 120 KRH 92 functions as the standard heavy mortar in the Finnish Army, delivering indirect fire support to infantry battalions and companies during engagements. It fires high-explosive fragmentation rounds for suppression, smoke munitions for obscuration, and illumination shells for target marking or night operations, enhancing tactical flexibility in varied combat scenarios.[12][23] With 698 units in active service as of 2022, the system underpins close-range artillery capabilities suited to Finland's forested and rugged terrain, where rapid deployment and high-angle fire trajectories provide advantages over tube artillery for supporting maneuver elements.[2] Operated by mortar platoons within field artillery battalions or directly attached to infantry units, it is typically towed by vehicles such as the 120 KRH TeKa carrier or transported on tracked Sisu Nasu platforms for off-road mobility.[24] Deployment involves a crew of five personnel—commander, gunner, loader, assistant loader, and ammunition handler—who emplace the mortar in 1-2 minutes for firing, achieving rates of up to 15 rounds per minute briefly or sustained fire at 4-6 rounds per minute. In training and exercises, such as those conducted by kranaatinheitinkomppania units, emphasis is placed on precise coordination with forward observers for effective battlefield illumination and suppressive fire.[25] The mortar's design prioritizes quick setup and displacement, aligning with Finnish doctrine for dispersed, mobile operations against numerically superior forces.[26]Exports and International Operators
The 120 KRH 92 has seen no confirmed commercial exports or sales to foreign militaries.[7] Production and deployment have remained confined to the Finnish Defence Forces, with approximately 698 units in active service as of 2022.[1] In August 2022, Finland provided Ukraine with an undisclosed quantity of 120 KRH 92 (and older 120 KRH 85 variant) mortars as part of military aid packages supporting Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion.[27] Ukrainian armed forces have since integrated these systems into operations, with open-source intelligence confirming their use in firing 120mm JVA 1571 high-explosive rounds against Russian positions.[1][2] Video evidence from Ukrainian units demonstrates the mortars' deployment in towed configurations, leveraging their 7-8 km effective range for indirect fire support.[28] Ukraine represents the sole international operator of the 120 KRH 92, acquired exclusively through donor transfers rather than procurement.[29] No other nations have reported acquiring or operating the system, underscoring its niche role within Finnish-designed artillery limited by non-proliferation of licensing or direct sales agreements.[30]Role in Recent Conflicts
The 120 KRH 92 mortar entered combat operations with Ukrainian forces during the Russo-Ukrainian War, following donations from Finland as part of multiple military aid packages initiated in early 2022.[31] OSINT analysts first documented its presence in Ukrainian service in August 2022, with photographic evidence of the system deployed by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.[1] Finland has supplied both the newer 120 KRH 92 and older 120 KRH 85 variants without disclosing exact quantities for operational security reasons, integrating them into Ukraine's artillery support alongside ammunition such as 120mm JVA 1571 high-explosive rounds.[32][33] In Ukrainian employment, the 120 KRH 92 has provided heavy indirect fire support, leveraging its 7-kilometer effective range and rapid deployment for counter-battery and suppression roles against Russian positions. Videos from November 2022 and April 2023 depict Ukrainian mortar crews firing the system in active combat, including by naval infantry units, highlighting its adaptability in mobile defensive operations amid the ongoing front-line attrition.[28][33] By August 2025, Finland's cumulative aid exceeded €2.2 billion, with continued deliveries of 120mm heavy mortars reinforcing their sustained battlefield utility despite the challenges of ammunition logistics and electronic warfare interference reported in the conflict.[34] No verified instances of 120 KRH 92 use in other recent conflicts by Finnish or export operators have been reported, limiting its documented combat history primarily to this theater.[2]Performance Evaluation
Strengths and Tactical Advantages
The 120 KRH 92 mortar's design emphasizes rapid deployment and redeployment, enabling emplacement in under one minute, which supports shoot-and-scoot tactics to minimize exposure to counter-battery fire. Its lightweight construction, with a total weight of approximately 500 kg, facilitates transport by all-terrain vehicles or armored carriers, enhancing mobility in infantry operations.[12] A primary strength lies in its high rate of fire, achieving 12-15 rounds per minute, allowing for intense, short-duration barrages to suppress enemy advances or disrupt concentrations effectively at the battalion or company level.[12] This capability, combined with an effective range of 7.5 km, provides organic indirect fire support without reliance on distant artillery, ideal for decentralized maneuver warfare.[12] The system's stability across varied terrains, including rough and forested environments, stems from refinements in the base plate and recoil mechanism inherited from earlier Finnish designs, outperforming heavier foreign equivalents in handling and transport under adverse conditions.[7] Versatility is further augmented by compatibility with multiple ammunition types, such as high-explosive for destructive effects, smoke for screening, and illumination for night operations, enabling adaptable tactical responses.[12]Limitations and Criticisms
The 120 KRH 92's towed design imposes constraints on tactical mobility, as its transport weight of approximately 500 kg requires truck towing and manual disassembly into components (barrel, baseplate, bipod, and sights) for relocation, extending repositioning times to several minutes in dynamic operations.[1] This setup demands a crew of five personnel for efficient handling and firing, increasing logistical demands compared to lighter, man-portable 81 mm systems.[1] With a maximum range of 7.5 km using standard charges, the system excels in close fire support but lacks the standoff capability of self-propelled howitzers or extended-range munitions, limiting its role to battalion-level engagements rather than division-level fires.[1] In peer conflicts featuring advanced surveillance, such as the Russo-Ukrainian War, towed mortars exhibit heightened vulnerability to counter-battery radars and drones, as high-angle trajectories facilitate position triangulation and necessitate "shoot-and-scoot" tactics; however, breakdown and remounting processes hinder execution, contributing to attrition rates observed in similar dismounted systems.[35] These exposure risks, coupled with prolonged into-action times relative to vehicle-integrated alternatives, underscore a broader critique of legacy towed platforms in contested airspace.[35] Finland's 2024 procurement of the Patria TREMOS modular 120 mm system reflects recognition of these mobility deficits, prioritizing faster emplacement and vehicular integration to mitigate survivability gaps exposed in recent European theaters.[36] Notwithstanding such operational drawbacks, field deployments—including unconfirmed Ukrainian use since 2022—have yielded no verified accounts of inherent mechanical unreliability or firing inconsistencies, affirming the platform's durable construction.[1]Comparative Analysis with Contemporaries
The 120 KRH 92, a smoothbore towed mortar developed in 1992, aligns with late Cold War and early post-Cold War designs in caliber and role, emphasizing infantry support in varied terrain. Compared to the lighter American M120 (adopted 1991), which prioritizes air-transportable expeditionary forces, the KRH 92 offers greater structural robustness via high-tensile steel construction, better suited to prolonged use in forested or snowy environments like Finland's, though at the cost of higher transport weight.[1][37] The Russian 2B11 (fielded 1981), a predecessor in Soviet lineage, shares similar firing weights and rates but employs less advanced recoil mitigation, rendering the Finnish system easier to maneuver and emplace in rough terrain according to operational assessments of prior models.[38][1] Rifled contemporaries like the French MO-120 RT (introduced 1972, upgraded through 1990s) achieve extended ranges via spin-stabilized projectiles—up to 13 km with rocket-assisted rounds versus the KRH 92's 7.5 km maximum—but incur penalties in system mass (582 kg versus 500 kg towed) and setup time, limiting tactical repositioning in fluid battles.[1] The KRH 92's smoothbore design, while capping unassisted range at conventional 120 mm norms, facilitates compatibility with standard NATO-style ammunition and quicker disassembly for vehicle towing at 80 km/h.[1]| System | Caliber | Firing Weight (kg) | Max Range (km) | Rate of Fire (rpm) | Crew Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 KRH 92 (Finland, 1992) | 120 mm smoothbore | 280 | 7.5 | 12-15 | 7 |
| M120 (USA, 1991) | 120 mm smoothbore | 145 | 7.2 | 16 (initial) | 4-5 |
| 2B11 (Russia, 1981) | 120 mm smoothbore | 210 | ~7.1 | 15 | 5 |
| MO-120 RT (France, 1972/1990s) | 120 mm rifled | 582 | 8.1-13 (assisted) | 18 | 5-6 |