Guided mortar systems provide increased firing accuracy and reduced ammunition consumption over their conventional counterparts. Mortars are normally smooth-bore, muzzle-loading, indirect- fire support weapons, and are typically used against personnel, light armoured vehicles, and structures. Although they can engage targets that may not be within their line of sight, they are limited in range and accuracy when compared to many other artillery systems.

This Research Note is the second in a series from the Small Arms Survey which cover a range of categories of small arms and light weapons, as well as their markets, their users, and their impact on society.