Russia sends to Ukraine old Soviet-made ZSU-23-4 anti-aircraft gun systems to counter drones
Russia continues to send to Ukraine old Soviet-made military equipment such as the ZSU-23-4 also nicknamed Shilka, a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system equipped with four 23mm automatic cannons, that was first introduced with the Russian army in the 1960s. The vehicle was originally designed for use against low-flying aircraft. However, it can also be used for ground-based targets and against drones.
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Russian army ZSU-23-4 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun systems are on the way to Ukraine via railway, on March 10, 2023. (Picture source Screen Shot Video Footage Russian VK Social Network)
With significant losses of military equipment and modern combat vehicles in the conflict in Ukraine, the Russian armed forces have launched modernization programs for armored vehicles and tanks, including the T-62. They have also adopted anti-aircraft systems on tracked vehicles such as the MT-LB.
Furthermore, Russia is sending older weapon systems like the ZSU-23-4, which continues to be an effective weapon for anti-drone combat and ground target destruction.
The ZSU-23-4 is an older anti-aircraft weapon system that was originally designed for use against aircraft. However, it can also be used for drone detection and destruction. The system's radar can detect small drones, and the four 23mm cannons can be used to shoot them down.
The situation is the same for the Ukrainian army which received Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled mobile gun tracked armored vehicles from Germany. Citing information from Ukrainian soldiers, the Gepard was developed by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) between 1976 and 1980 but continues to be effective against aerial threats including drones.
The ZSU-23-4 is an older Soviet-made self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system that was originally designed for use against low-flying aircraft. However, it can also be used for ground-based targets and against drones.
The system is equipped with one radar and a fire control system that can detect and track targets within a range of up to 12 km (7.5 miles) and engage them at a maximum range of 2.5 km (1.5 miles). It has four 23mm automatic cannons that can fire up to 4,000 rounds per minute, making it a highly effective weapon against both air and ground-based targets.
The ZSU-23-4 can engage a variety of targets, including aircraft, helicopters, ground-based vehicles, and infantry. Against drones, the system's radar can detect small targets, and the high rate of fire of the 23mm cannons can be effective in shooting them down.
However, it's worth noting that the ZSU-23-4 is an older system and may not be as effective against more modern and advanced threats. Additionally, it has limitations in terms of its mobility and survivability, and it can be vulnerable to countermeasures such as electronic jamming and decoys.
Russian-made ZSU-23-4 23mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system mounted on tracked armored chassis. (Picture source Vitaly Kuzmin)