Russia using Nona-M1 mortar to counter Ukrainian tactics and keep crew alive

Russian forces in Ukraine are using a highly mobile and technologically advanced mortar that's designed to cause maximum damage, with minimal risk to its operators.

The 120mm 2B23 Nona-M1 is a towed weapon that features a rifled barrel, a semi-automatic mechanism and is breech-loaded.

It can be fired remotely, so the crew do not fall victim to counter-battery fire from Ukrainian forces, a battlefield tactic at which the Ukrainians have proved to be adept.

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It is designed to engage enemy positions located in the open or in field shelters, from command and control points to lightly armoured targets.

The Nona-M1 can fire high explosive projectiles and finned bombs with a high degree of accuracy, with a maximum range of 8.8km and a minimum of 900 metres with high explosive projectiles.

It can fire nine rounds per minute using a high explosive rocket projectile or 11 rounds per minute with an explosive bomb.

While the mortar is usually towed behind a truck, requiring a short amount of time to be set up for firing, Russia also produces a self-propelled tracked variant called the 2S9 Nona.