Fact Check: "Missiles and mortars are commonly used in modern warfare."
What We Know
Missiles and mortars are indeed prevalent in contemporary military operations. According to the FY2025 Weapons report, various missile systems, such as the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6), are integral to naval anti-air warfare, indicating their strategic importance in modern combat scenarios. Furthermore, the report highlights that these missiles are designed to project power and provide self-defense capabilities.
Mortars, on the other hand, have been increasingly recognized for their tactical utility. A recent article notes that infantry units are relying more on mortars to support close combat operations, complementing long-range artillery systems (Task & Purpose). This trend underscores the adaptability and effectiveness of mortars in various combat situations.
Analysis
The claim that missiles and mortars are commonly used in modern warfare is supported by multiple credible sources. The FY2025 Weapons document is an official U.S. government publication that provides detailed insights into military capabilities and procurement, making it a reliable source for understanding the role of missiles in contemporary warfare.
Additionally, the article from Task & Purpose discusses the evolving role of mortars, emphasizing their increasing importance in modern military tactics. This source is credible as it focuses on current military practices and is published by a well-regarded military news outlet.
In contrast, while the Wikipedia entry on mortars (Wikipedia) provides general information about the weapon's design and function, it may not be as reliable for current military applications as the aforementioned sources. Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, which raises questions about the accuracy of specific claims unless corroborated by more authoritative sources.
Conclusion
The evidence clearly indicates that missiles and mortars are indeed commonly used in modern warfare. Both the official military reports and contemporary analyses of battlefield tactics support this claim. Therefore, the verdict is True.
