9P148

9P148 is a Soviet 120mm mortar shell designed for use against armor and fortifications. Developed in the 1970s, the 9P148 is a high-explosive antimaterial charge mortar round, capable of penetrating armor and causing fragmentation damage upon detonation. The round features a high-explosive fill and a specially designed shaped charge that enhances its ability to breach armor.

When fired from the BM-21 multiple rocket launcher system, the 9P148 exhibits a significant increase in lethality, proving particularly effective against armored vehicles and fortifications. The round's design optimization for maximum explosive effect leads to a smaller signature compared to other systems of similar intent. However, the large size of the BM-21 launcher limits mobility and visibility on the battlefield.

Operational advantages of the 9P148 lie in its ability to address modern armor types and fortifications effectively. These characteristics were considered particularly useful for limiting enemy mobility and countering fortified positions, helping Soviet and allied deployments which relied on similar ammunition, equipping large quantities of Soviet and Warsaw Pact armor and fortified tactical locations.

While sometimes integrated into smaller, modern launch systems in certain contexts, the 9P148 is best regarded as supplied from the BM-21 or early variants in larger-scale missions for introducing fragmentation damage upon armor systems and uprated targets. The continued evaluation of new launch systems increased prohibitions against integration with 9P148 capabilities through standard launch mediums, reducing sole-source operations reliant on the discrete launch systems implemented within these configurations.