indirectfire

Indirect fire is a method of delivering fire from weapons where the point of impact is not dependent on the weapon having a direct line of sight to the target. The shooter's aim is adjusted using observers and firing data, so projectiles land on the specified target area.

A typical indirect-fire system includes rifles of weapons such as artillery guns, howitzers, mortars, and rocket launchers, together with forward observers or fire direction centers. These elements identify targets, assign firing data, and calculate ballistic trajectories. Target location is expressed in coordinate systems or grid references, and meteorological data along with ammunition characteristics feed into ballistic calculations to predict projectile paths.

During an engagement, a fire mission is requested by the observer who identifies target location, range, and desired effects. The fire direction center or gun battery then selects the firing solution and issues a mission with the necessary data. After the initial rounds, observers assess impacts and call for corrections, adjusting elevation and deflection to place rounds on target.

Indirect fire contrasts with direct fire, which relies on visual contact with the target. Indirect fire enables engagement beyond line of sight and is effective for area suppression, fire support of maneuver, and engaging through obstacles such as trenches or terrain. Its accuracy depends on calculations, weather, terrain, and munitions; modern systems may incorporate GPS, inertial guidance, or precision-guided shells to improve hit probabilities.

Indirection fire remains a core component of land warfare and is integrated with other fire-support, reconnaissance, and command structures through fire-control networks.