Ukraine Unveils “Chumak”: A New Rapid-Deploy 120mm Mortar to Counter Drone and Artillery Threats

Ukrainian defense company PARS has introduced its new “Chumak” 120mm towed mortar at the Defense Tech Innovation Forum 2025. The system is designed to enhance mobility and survivability in response to the increasing threat posed by Russian drones and counter-battery fire.

According to Militarnyi, company representatives stated that the “Chumak” is designed for rapid deployment and relocation, with a setup and dismantling time of under one minute. The system incorporates an automated fire control mechanism that calculates firing parameters and aiming adjustments within 30 seconds.

Despite its high-speed targeting capabilities, the “Chumak” maintains precision through an advanced ballistic algorithm developed by PARS engineers. The system performs real-time trajectory calculations, integrating meteorological data and other variables to optimize accuracy. The same computational framework has been utilized to generate firing tables for modern mortars and ammunition.

The mortar is equipped with electronic components and servo-driven aiming mechanisms, significantly improving accuracy compared to older optical sighting systems. Developers report that the “Chumak” eliminates the margin of error present in traditional optical guidance solutions, such as the MPM-44 paired with the PAB-2, which typically have a deviation of over 6 mils.

Additionally, the system is compatible with barrels from multiple manufacturers, utilizing a specialized mounting interface that allows seamless integration. This flexibility, combined with a towed configuration, eliminates the need for dedicated transport vehicles, reducing overall operational costs.

Earlier, Ukraine unveiled its domestically developed Trembita cruise missile at the Defense Tech Innovations Forum 2025 in Kyiv. Vice Prime Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov shared the first images on February 21, while Ukraine’s Army TV reported that the missile, capable of reaching speeds over 400 km/h, is designed for deep-strike operations. Developers claim it can reach Moscow, with an operational range exceeding 140 km and a 20 kg warhead.