China Shows Guided Mortar-Caliber Missiles Similar in Concept to Ukrainian

Chinese developers have showcased 60 mm and 82 mm mortar-caliber guided missiles that can also be launched from drones.

A Chinese equipment seller published brochures detailing the systems on X.

The product brief states that the missiles can be fired from a range of platforms, including vehicle-mounted mortar systems and drones, and use reflected-laser guidance.

The first, the 82 mm system, is offered in a containerized infantry version and is compatible with ground and air launchers.

It is described as intended to engage lightly armored vehicles, unattended ground systems, fortifications, fixed firing positions, and key defensive nodes.

The 60 mm version offers similar capabilities at a smaller scale, typically suited to infantry-squad-level mortar systems.

By contrast, Ukraine’s Black Woodpecker is a lightweight precision strike system developed by the Ukrainian VALAR research and development enterprise. It uses a sealed, disposable launch container with a low-power guided munition; the two concepts differ mainly in their guidance methods.

In the Black Woodpecker, guidance and terminal engagement follow a lofted trajectory with passive correction based on imagery from a seeker (visible/IR) and video feed to a hardened control terminal. Structurally, it fills a niche between grenade launchers and 82/120 mm mortars.

The employment concept calls for pre-placing launch containers covertly in a target area (on friendly or contested ground) with a persistent communications link to an operator.

Long-range remote control allows rounds to be fired without personnel at the launch site, reducing the risk of ambush or counter-battery fire. The containers can remain on standby for extended periods, allowing hits on demand.

Because launches are low-signature, the system can be used effectively at night, in built-up areas, and in “fire-on-call” roles to support maneuver formations.

Militarnyi previously reported that China is adapting artillery shells for use as precision-guided aerial munitions.

The adaptations focus on 152- and 155-mm DLB-P artillery shells fitted with high-precision navigation kits.