Throughout history, the replacement of weapons has always been accompanied by countless stories and changes. When it comes to the 60 mortar, many people may ask, why can this seemingly ordinary light artillery serve in the army for decades, and even still have a place in modern warfare? Looking back at the period of resisting US aggression and aiding Korea, although the firepower of the volunteer army was not as good as that of the huge United Nations army, it was also equipped with more than 330 60 mortars. These guns fired less than 5,000 shells in the war! Next, let's explore this little-known history.
The 60 mortar, the name may seem unfamiliar to modern people, but at some point in history, it was one of the important equipment of the Chinese army. In the early 1950s, the Chinese People's Volunteers went to the Korean battlefield and faced the technologically advanced and well-equipped United Nations Army, although they were deficient in equipment, but the performance of the 60 mortars was surprisingly good. This light artillery is loved by soldiers because of its easy to carry and simple to operate.
But in fact, despite the fact that it was equipped with more than 330 60 mortars, less than 5,000 shells were fired during the entire war, a figure that seems quite small in the history of warfare. Why is this so? It has a lot to do with tactical use. Mortars are often used to deliver quick strikes against the enemy and support infantry advances on a volatile battlefield, and their timing is often critical, as a single shell can change the tide of battle, so every use needs to be carefully calculated.
On the other hand, the reason why the 60 mortar can become an evergreen tree for the Chinese army is that its lightness is an advantage that cannot be ignored. In the mountainous Korean battlefield, heavy artillery is not only difficult to maneuver, but also extremely inconvenient to deploy in a mountainous environment. In contrast, the 60 mortar can be carried by soldiers on their shoulders and quickly transferred, which greatly improves the mobility and adaptability of the troops.
The improvement of the six-zero mortar is also an important topic. With the development of science and technology, this old artillery is constantly being modernized. The improved mortar has increased its range and power, and can better meet the needs of modern warfare. This is one of the reasons why it has been in the military for a long time.
However, the introduction of this new type of artillery also made the 60 mortar gradually old. For example, the introduction of Soviet-style 76.2mm field guns and 122mm howitzers has challenged the position of the original 60 mortars in the artillery team. With their longer range and stronger destructive power, these new artillery pieces have gradually become the protagonists on the battlefield. Even so, the 60 mortar has not completely retired from the stage of history, and its unique flexibility and applicability make it still able to play an important role in certain situations.
Going back to our original question, why did the 60 mortar fire so few shells while being equipped so much? This is not only the result of tactical choices, but also the embodiment of a philosophy of weaponry. In war, every shell is expensive, and how to effectively use limited resources is a serious problem that every commander must face. The strategy of using the 60 mortar reflects the military wisdom of the Chinese army in pursuing maximum efficiency under the condition of relative scarcity of materials.
The story of the Six-Zero mortar is also a story about the balance between military heritage and modernization. It is not only a weapon, but also a witness to a piece of history. From the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea to modern border patrols, the 60 mortar has witnessed the process of the Chinese army from weak to strong. Despite the pressure to upgrade technology, this iconic artillery piece still holds a place in the Chinese military, not only because of its practical role, but also because of the spiritual value and historical significance it carries.
In the context of modern warfare, the role of the 60 mortar is changing. It may no longer be the main artillery on the main battlefield, but it can still show its unique value in some special tactical applications, such as mountain warfare and fire support for rapid reaction forces. For many military enthusiasts and historical researchers, the 60 mortar is not just a cold weapon, it is a piece of history, a heritage, and a symbol of military culture that will never fade.
After decades of ups and downs, the 60 mortar is not only a simple military equipment, but also a symbol of the perseverance and sustainable development of the Chinese army. From the smoke of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, to today it still occupies a place in modern warfare, the story of the 60 mortar is full of tactical wisdom and historical depth. It teaches us that behind every seemingly ordinary piece of equipment, there may be hidden legends and deep strategic significance. In the years to come, the 60 mortar will continue its legendary journey, not only as a weapon, but also as a spiritual legacy.