Combat Drone Footage in Marawi Siege;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKIfDgN8qww&t=2sAt the start of the video, there are two armored assets deployed . One is simba at the road and one M113 at vacant lot.
Troops asked for mortar fire support . We can heard that Army squads deployed nearby ready to engage. We can hear that at least one 81mm mortar team is providing fire support. We can also observed that terrorist team was inside the burnout building . Each building was designated with number as target identification and grid coordinates calculation . We can observed that terrorist avoids exposed buildings(along the street or roads) where direct fire from simba and M113 can be effective. The most effective fire support here is the mortar team or howitzer. But in this footage, we can observe mortar or indirect fire is the most effective in cluster of concrete building. The drone is giving a valuable real time target identification and acquisition and damage assessment including real time intel for the ground troops.
The coordination between mortar team and drone observers(including the CO) is good . The mortar shots were adjusted to the current location of the terrorist. Some were off by 10 to 20 meters but correction done ,the next shots close to 5 meters to the target.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-MlLNhk37U&t=2shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0p3o6iv1b4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_4Dov5dPVo&t=2sThe next videos, shows that terrorist are deployed in the cornfield to flank attack the deployed APC. The APC and troops are prudent(cautious) in their return fire to avoid stray rounds . If the APC have mark 19 grenade launcher or 60mm mortar mounted, it can lobbed accurate fire . However, one observer suggest to his CO for mortar fire and the CO assures that. But the mortar fire have to be coordinated to higher ups for approval. The video footage finished without the mortar requested not yet provided. The scenario would be better if mark 19 RCWS or 60mm mortar on the APC are available. The response time is shorter and can neutralize the terrorist immediately. The FA-50 bomb run were accurate and devastating.
IMHO , this situation can be improved further if
1] use a precision guided mortar round-this limits the rounds to be fired. Drone can be installed with LASER designator to point the exact target. I dont know if this is available in Army now or still being planned or pending in the procurement.
2] procure a 120mm mortar that can do more damage- build-up area such as concrete walls and floors lessens the effect of 81mm or 60mm round.But still 81mm or 60mm are cheaper for smaller but more numerous targets. Aside from HE rounds , mortars can deliver smoke, WP and illumination round.
3] armored personnel or simba mounted with 81mm or 60mm mortar (aside from direct fire weapons)can provide more flexible and even distribution of indirect fire support to supporting assault teams . The two armored assets are being standby to provide direct fire once needed. If would be better if these armored assets have mortar , it can actively provide lobbed mortar bombs with the comms on the drone and assault troops already engage with the terrorist.
4] The troops must used two drones ,one on standby and one deployed. In case the drone is low batt, the standby can continue the visual intel . The quadrocopter drone is better than wing type because it can provide steady and continous the visual intel. It can provide accurate coordinates to mortar or howitzer, for its hovering capabilities.
In relation to our topic;
1] Indirect fire capability(mortar or mark 19)for armored assets are ideal for MOUT and even on open terrain.
2] 120 mm mortar is a great in MOUT considering the firepower over concrete walls, floors ,roofs and concrete barriers to effectively neutralize opposing forces.
3] The 105mm direct fire cannon would be great for buildings along the streets or roads or open. But for buildings inside the block, indirect fire is effective.
A indirect fire capability for Sabra Tank meets the needs of AFP especially in MOUT as shown in the drone combat video footages.
