What type of target is generally affected by illumination mortar rounds?

Illumination mortar rounds are specifically designed to enhance visibility in low-light conditions, making them particularly effective in night operations. By creating bright bursts of light that illuminate an area, these mortar rounds allow friendly forces to identify and engage targets that may otherwise be difficult to see at night. This increased visibility is crucial for conducting various military operations during hours of darkness, where traditional visual recognition and targeting can be significantly hampered.

While ground targets, enemy aircraft, and naval ships could theoretically stay affected by illumination, the primary intent and most significant impact of illumination rounds are seen during nighttime engagements. They transform the effectiveness of night operations by providing illumination, which can reveal enemy positions, help navigate terrain, and support overall tactical maneuvers in the dark.