The MKE 60 mm Commando Mortar is engineered as a highly mobile, short-range indirect fire solution tailored for light infantry, commando formations, and special operations units. Unlike heavier 81 mm or 120 mm mortar systems, this platform prioritizes portability, rapid deployment, and single-operator usability while maintaining meaningful suppressive and destructive capability.

Operational Purpose and Role

The primary mission of the system is to provide organic indirect fire support at the squad or small-team level. It enables units to:

• Deliver suppressive fire against enemy personnel
• Neutralize light fortifications and defensive positions
• Engage targets behind cover or defilade
• Support maneuver elements during assault or withdrawal

Its lightweight design allows dismounted forces to carry their own indirect fire capability without depending on higher-echelon fire support assets.

Doctrine and Concept of Employment

Within modern infantry doctrine, 60 mm mortars are typically employed as:

• Close-range support weapons
• Immediate-response fire assets
• Organic firepower multipliers for light maneuver units

The single-operator configuration reduces manpower requirements compared to traditional mortar teams. However, during sustained operations, additional personnel may assist with ammunition handling and security.

This system is particularly effective in:

• Mountainous and rugged terrain
• Counterinsurgency operations
• Border security missions
• Rapid-reaction deployments

System Architecture

The mortar features a simple and robust mechanical architecture:

• Special steel smoothbore barrel
• Trigger-fired mechanism
• Lightweight base plate
• Dedicated optical sighting system

The absence of complex electronic subsystems enhances reliability and simplifies maintenance under field conditions.

Survivability Approach

Mortars are inherently unarmored systems. Survivability is achieved through:

• Low weight enabling rapid displacement
• Small firing signature compared to heavier systems
• Shoot-and-scoot tactics
• Optional vehicle-mounted configuration

Rapid relocation reduces vulnerability to counter-battery fire.

Firepower and Performance

The system has a maximum firing range of 1,500 meters. With a firing rate of up to 20 rounds per minute, it can deliver intense short-duration suppressive fire.

Maximum barrel pressure is rated at 250 bar, ensuring controlled and safe projectile propulsion within operational limits.

Compatible ammunition types include:

• HE M49 A2 (High Explosive)
• TP M50 A2 (Training Practice)

These rounds are effective against exposed personnel and light defensive structures.

Assessment Against Modern Threats

Advantages:

• High mobility
• Low logistical footprint
• Single-operator capability
• Ease of maintenance
• Rapid deployment

Limitations:

• Limited range compared to larger mortar systems
• Lower destructive power
• Unguided munitions
• No publicly disclosed digital fire-control integration

The system is optimized for light infantry operations rather than high-intensity mechanized warfare.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

• Bore Diameter: 60.7 ± 0.05 mm
• Outer Barrel Diameter: 66 mm
• Barrel Length: 650 ± 1 mm
• Total Weight: 7,730 g

Performance Parameters

• Maximum Range: 1,500 m
• Rate of Fire: 20 rounds/min
• Maximum Barrel Pressure: 250 bar

Minimum range and propellant charge configurations are not publicly disclosed.

Ammunition

• HE M49 A2
• TP M50 A2

Information regarding illumination, smoke, or specialized rounds is not publicly available.

Sighting and Fire Control

The system uses a dedicated mechanical sight. Publicly available information does not indicate the presence of a digital ballistic computer or integrated fire-control system.

Deployment and Mobility

• Man-portable
• Single-operator capable
• Ground-fired
• Vehicle-mount capable
• Rapid setup time

Official data confirms a crew requirement of one operator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the MKE 60 mm Commando Mortar?

• It provides close-range indirect fire support for light infantry and commando units. It allows small teams to deliver suppressive and destructive fire without external artillery support.

What is its maximum range?

• The maximum firing range is 1.5 kilometers, depending on ammunition and elevation angle.

How many personnel are required?

• It is designed for single-operator use. However, additional personnel can assist in sustained fire missions.

What types of targets can it engage?

• It is effective against exposed personnel, light field fortifications, machine-gun nests, and defensive positions. It is not optimized for armored vehicles.

Is it mobile or fixed?

• It is fully mobile and man-portable. It can also be mounted on vehicles.

How does it compare to 81 mm mortars?

• It is significantly lighter and more portable but offers shorter range and reduced destructive power.

Sources

• Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi A.Ş. official product information
• Publicly available MKE technical brochures
• Open-source defense industry publications