Type 87 mortar

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	Weapon: Type 87 mortar Type: Mortar Country of Origin: China Year Adopted: 1987 Overall Length (mm): 1400.0 Overall Length (in): 55.12 Weight (kg): 27.00 Weight (pounds): 59.52

The Chinese Type 87 mortar is a lightweight, man-portable, smoothbore infantry mortar developed by the People's Republic of China in the 1980s. Designed as a replacement for older 82 mm models such as the Type 67, the Type 87 was engineered with a focus on mobility and rapid deployment. Featuring a simple bipod, baseplate, and tube arrangement, it can be quickly set up and disassembled, making it highly effective for fast-moving infantry operations. The mortar's caliber is officially 82 mm, in keeping with Chinese standardization, but it is optimized for modern ammunition with improved range and lethality.

Production of the Type 87 began in the mid-to-late 1980s, with large-scale manufacturing undertaken by Chinese state arms industries to supply the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and various export customers. While exact production figures are not publicly released, the weapon has been widely distributed to PLA infantry battalions and has been produced in significant numbers for both domestic service and foreign clients. Its design emphasizes low production cost while maintaining reliable battlefield performance, which has made it a mainstay in Chinese indirect fire support units for decades.

The Type 87 mortar has seen service in various capacities within the PLA and in several foreign armies, particularly in Asia and Africa. Known for its ease of use, durability, and ability to deliver accurate indirect fire support, it has been employed in both training and combat situations. While it does not have the notoriety of larger artillery systems, it has earned a solid reputation as a dependable and effective infantry support weapon. Its continued use alongside newer models demonstrates its lasting value in modern infantry tactics.