United States Mk 14 EBR in Syria

Images recently uploaded to Twitter by the Free Syrian Amy’s ‘Division 30’ show combatants with US-made arms. In one image, a Mk 14 EBR (enhanced battle rifle) series weapon is visible in the foreground, while another fighter holds what is likely an M16A4 rifle.

The Mk 14 EBR series are self-loading rifles chambered for 7.62 x 51 mm and typically employed as designated marksman rifles (DMR). Originally introduced by the US Navy, Mk 14 series rifles have since been produced for other US service branches and sold to foreign allies. The model pictured appears to have been produced by Rock Island Arsenal, in Illinois. Minor diagnostic details such as the type of optic, scope mount, bipod, and other components distinguish it from other models. It is designated as the M14EBR-RI, and some 6,200 examples were fielded by the US Army. Another photo uploaded the same day shows fighters with a 120 mm M120 mortar system, with one fighter carrying another M16-type rifle.

FSA fighters from Division 30 with an M120 mortar system.

It is not clear how Division 30 acquired these weapons, but it is likely they received them as part of a US-administered train and equip programme. The Mk 14 EBR has previously been seen in Iraq in the hands of IS fighters, as seen below, thought to be captured from Iraqi security forces who had, in turn, received it from the United States. With recent reports that Jabhat al-Nusra fighters successfully abducted members of Division 30, and killed others, there remains a possibility that some of these supplied weapons will yet find their way into the hands of other groups.

Ukraine has developed a 82-mm mortar “Verba”

http://imgur.com/c8UP3yP

Mobilizing public-private partnership, in a few months managed to create a 82-mm mortar, which is so urgently needed at the forefront of the Ukrainian military, says the head of the parliamentary committee on national security and defense, Sergei Pashinsky.

” I hope for a successful test and operational data mortars advanced units. This is certainly a small step in the increase of our defense, but together we will continue to do everything possible not only to equip our army, but also to renew the enormous potential of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex “- he added.

The new 82-mm mortar Ukrainian production called “Willow.” development and production of new mortar held company OAO “Meridian” and Director of “Sisteminzhiniringmenendzhment.”

 Many items can be used in shooting from a 82-mm mortar; such as high-explosive, fragmentation and shrapnel, mines and smoke bombs.

“Armata” T-15 will come with mortar “Sani”

Heavy infantry fighting vehicle T-15 on the platform “Armata”Photo:

Promising Russian combat armored vehicles, created on the basis of a single heavy tracked platform “Armata” will come with upgraded mortar systems 2S12A “Sani” caliber 120 mm. On this, as  reported by  RIA Novosti, said General Director of the Central Research Institute “Petrel” George Zakamenny. According to him, these same mortars are mounted on armored vehicles, developed on the basis of a universal medium tracked platform “Kurganets-25.”

Upgrading Ammunition mortar “Sani” means weight reduction, improving the security of its calculation and ammunition. The date for these upgrades is not specified yet. Today, the army has supplied advanced version of tools, starting with a new base plate. It allows you to carry the mortar base to allow firing on enemy positions without having to reinstall. “The potential of this complex undertaking is still going through R&D.

2S12A “Sani” with a transport vehicle Ural 43206-0651

Photo: CRI “Petrel”

2S12A “Sani” with a transport vehicle Ural 43206-0651

Photo: CRI “Petrel”

2S12A “Sani” with a transport vehicle Ural 43206-0651

Photo: CRI “Petrel”

2S12A “Sani” with a transport vehicle Ural 43206-0651

Photo: CRI “Petrel”