Russia now uses 120 mm mortar ammunition supplied by Myanmar.

According to a tweet from Ukraine Weapons Tracker on July 26, 2023, the Russian army is reportedly beginning to use ammunition supplied by Myanmar. Burmese 120 mm HE (High Explosive) mortar bombs of the 120ER model have recently been spotted in Russian service.
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Burmese 120ER 120mm HE mortar bombs (Picture source: Twitter account of Ukraine Weapons tracker )

This discovery raises questions about the relationship between the two countries. Previously, no transfers of ammunition from Myanmar to Russia had been reported. The significant role that various artillery systems currently play in the conflict in Ukraine makes the delivery of these munitions intriguing.

The 120ER mortar ammunition is a 120 mm caliber shell system designed to be used with mortars of various barrel lengths. It is equipped with a 2.0 kg TNT explosive charge. The shell body is made of cast iron, providing high resistance and durability during firing and impact. The 120ER mortar ammunition can achieve an initial velocity ranging from 103 to 455 m/s. Additionally, it is designed to withstand a maximum gas pressure of ≤ 164 MPa (ESCP, STANAG 4110).

Capable of functioning with different types of mortar cannons, the 120ER mortar ammunition offers a versatile range for operations on the field. Depending on the length of the cannon, the range varies as follows:

With a 3-meter tube: a minimum range of 8,400 meters and a maximum range of 8,400 meters.
With a 2-meter tube: a minimum range of 8,000 meters and a maximum range of 8,000 meters.
With a 1.6-meter tube: a minimum range of 7,800 meters and a maximum range of 7,800 meters.

The appearance of Burmese 120ER 120 mm HE mortar bombs within the Russian army raises numerous questions about the relationship between the two countries. Moreover, it raises questions about Russia's production capacity, even though it has significantly increased its military-industrial capacity; it appears that they still lack sufficient domestic munitions. With artillery playing a major role in the conflict, the ability to supply it with ammunition is crucial.