Royal Marines tested their ability to outfox radar using new all-terrain vehicles to move mortars around Salisbury Plain, as demonstrated on the unit"s website. The commandos rolled out Can-Am 6x6 vehicles to move mortars and their crews rapidly around the battlefield.
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Royal Marines fire their mortar transported on their new Can-Am 6x6 all-terrain vehicles (Picture source: Royal Navy)

Mortars have been a staple of warfare for centuries and they still remain a highly dynamic weapon, which can quickly bring fire support to advancing troops on the frontline. But they can be vulnerable to increasingly powerful enemy radars which can track them down, prompting a counter-barrage to destroy them if they are too static.

As Royal Marines continue to evolve as part of the Future Commando Force modernisation, everything from kit, clothing, weapons and tactics is coming under the microscope. As part of that, 45 Commando’s Mortar Troop are scrutinising their primary weapon’s vulnerabilities to powerful Mortar Locating Radar and how they can avoid being discovered.

The Can-Ams kept them on the move, allowing the troop to maintain vital fire support to comrades before rapidly shifting position and setting up again.

Closely monitoring the trials were 53 Battery Royal Artillery, who use specialist radar to pinpoint enemy artillery, working out how long they the mortars could remain in position before being detected and destroyed. Captain Dale Martin, Officer Commanding of 45 Commando’s Mortar Troop, said: “It is vital that we understand the threats we face on the modern battlefield. Mortars provide essential fire support to commando troops on the ground and are therefore a high-value target for any adversary we may face. By training with the Royal Artillery who are actively seeking to find and neutralise us we can begin to understand how to adapt our tactics, techniques and procedures to counter this threat.

Royal Marines moving mortar teams with their new Can-Am 6x6 all-terrain vehicles (Picture source: Royal Navy)