An experimental batch of “Drok” self-propelled mortars was manufactured in Russia

The Russian military industry produced an experimental batch of 2S41 Drok self-propelled mortars.

The first batch of self-propelled mortars was transferred to the Russian military for testing.

The press service of the Russian state corporation Rostec noted that the weapon system was developed on the basis of the Typhoon armored vehicle and allows firing without the crew leaving the vehicle.

The mock-up of a new combat vehicle with a 4×4 wheel arrangement was first presented at the Army-2018 forum.

In the same year, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that state testing of the 2S41 Drok would take place in 2019. Later, in 2020, the launch of the mortar in serial production was scheduled for 2021 or later.

In the vehicle, an 82mm mortar module is mounted in an armored turret. It is equipped with mechanized laying and stabilization drives and a fire control system, which facilitates the work of the crew. The vehicle can be deployed from a traveling position to a firing position within less than a minute.

According to Rostec representatives, the effective range of the 2S41 is more than one and a half times higher than that of the regular mortars of the 2B14 Podnos.

In addition, Drok is equipped with a remotely controlled combat module with a machine gun and an optical-electronic sight, along with an additional 2B24 mortar, which the crew can use outside the vehicle.

The digital system provides a self-propelled mortar with secure information interaction with mobile control posts.

“One of the Drok’s main advantages is its high rate of fire, over ten rounds per minute. At the same time, ammunition holds more than 40 mortar rounds,” the developers claim.

According to them, the mortar also has good mine protection and maneuverability that allows it to quickly avoid enemy fire.

The Russian military has already used the latest К-4386 Typhoon-VDV armored vehicles in Ukraine.