Ukrainian troops have demonstrated the use of 82mm mortars from closed, purpose-built firing positions equipped with retractable covers. This adaptation emerged as a response to the trench warfare-like conditions of today's russo-Ukrainian war.
In the footage, soldiers can be seen setting up the mortar and preparing it for use.
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To open the shelter, its "lid" is pulled back, allowing the crew to fire. The mechanism for sliding the cover appears to be mounted on wheels and requires manual support during operation.
This is a well-prepared position, offering both light protection for the crew and effective camouflage — a crucial advantage in today's battlefield, where widespread UAV use enables rapid target detection and fire correction.
While such a shelter will definetely not be able to withstand a direct artillery hit, its primary function is to remain invisible to drones. As seen in the footage, the soldiers fire only a few rounds before closing the cover again to minimize exposure.
Previously, mobility was considered the main protection for mortar crews, prompting widespread development of self-propelled mortar systems. However, with the rise of drones and a shift toward positional warfare, this approach has become far more dangerous.
A similar shift has taken place in artillery operations, which have largely moved from highly mobile deployments to firing from specially prepared, concealed positions. Even tanks have been affected by this change.
In general, such closed shelters for mortars and artillery have been used by both Ukrainian and russian forces for quite some time. This has also given an advantage to towed howitzers, which are easier to conceal in such positions — a factor that helps explain the so-called "SPH paradox."
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