KBA-222 mortar

History

The KBA-222 is a Ukrainian 120 mm mortar intended to provide indirect fire support to frontline units. It can engage enemy weapon crews and infantry in open terrain or defensive positions.

The weapon is described as a development of the Soviet 2S12 Sani mortar system. Compared with its predecessor, the KBA-222 is manufactured using more modern technologies and materials and has been adapted according to experience gained from mortar operations under current combat conditions.

By September 2026, KBA-222 mortars were in service with several Ukrainian combat formations. The Come Back Alive foundation transferred 50 mortars with a reported total value of 56 million hryvnias.

Development

In 2024, the press service of the 28th Chornobyl Regiment of the National Guard of Ukraine described the KBA-222 as an evolution of the Soviet 2S12 Sani. This confirms that the Ukrainian mortar existed in recognizable form by that year. The reported changes included the use of newer manufacturing technologies and materials and adaptation to lessons from contemporary mortar employment.

2026 delivery

In September 2026, the Come Back Alive foundation reported the transfer of 50 KBA-222 mortars to Ukrainian units. Recipients included the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade Magura, the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign, the 125th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade, and the 1st Separate Assault Regiment. The reported total value of the equipment was 56 million hryvnias.

Design

The KBA-222 is a 120 mm mortar designed for indirect fire support. Its stated roles include suppressing or destroying enemy weapon crews and engaging infantry in open terrain or in shelters.

The mortar weighs slightly more than 200 kg and uses a wheeled carriage for transport. It can be towed by a vehicle or carried in vehicles such as a GAZ-66 truck or a pickup. This transport arrangement follows the general approach used with the Soviet system from which the KBA-222 was developed.

With standard ammunition, the reported maximum firing range is 7.1 km. The maximum reported rate of fire is up to 15 rounds per minute.

Operational history

By September 2026, KBA-222 mortars had been issued to Ukrainian formations conducting combat operations in the Donetsk, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions. Videos published by the Come Back Alive foundation showed Ukrainian personnel demonstrating 120 mm mortars at combat positions and explaining their role in unit fire support.

Footage dated 9 September 2026 showed KBA-222 mortars with the 125th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade. The same transfer program also supplied the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade Magura, the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign, and the 1st Separate Assault Regiment.

Operators

• 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade Magura: Recipient of KBA-222 mortars transferred by the Come Back Alive foundation in 2026.
• 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign: Recipient of KBA-222 mortars transferred in 2026.
• 125th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade: Operated KBA-222 mortars shown at combat positions in September 2026.
• 1st Separate Assault Regiment: Recipient of KBA-222 mortars transferred in 2026.

Specifications (KBA-222)

General characteristics

• Type: 120 mm mortar
• Caliber: 120 mm
• Weight: Slightly more than 200 kg
• Transport: Wheeled carriage; capable of vehicle towing or carriage by truck or pickup

Performance

• Maximum range: Up to 7.1 km with standard ammunition
• Rate of fire: Up to 15 rounds per minute