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Serbia Trains and Deploys Latest-Generation of Nora B-52 Self-Propelled Howitzers.
In the vicinity of Niš, Serbia, crews from the Mixed Artillery Brigade are undergoing intensive training on 155 mm B-52 M-15 Nora self-propelled howitzers. These exercises, conducted both at their bases and in nearby training areas, aim to perfect rapid combat formation, swift deployment to firing positions, and precise mastery of artillery procedures.
The Nora B-52, also referred to as the Nora B-52 M15, is a self-propelled artillery system designed and produced in Serbia by the Military Technical Institute and the Yugoimport SDPR company. (Picture source: Serbian MoD)
Second Lieutenant Maja Stojiljković, a platoon commander in a self-propelled howitzer battery, describes the 155 mm B-52 M-15 Nora as one of the most modern systems currently used for fire support. “Compared to the towed 152 mm M-84 howitzer, its main advantages are high mobility, excellent accuracy, and significant firepower,” she explains. “It also transitions more quickly from traveling to combat mode, and positions its firing elements faster. While technical knowledge of the weapon is essential, tactical proficiency is just as crucial to ensure mission success.”
Sergeant First Class Nikola Živanović, a squad leader in one of the batteries, emphasizes the formidable capabilities of this equipment. “It’s a powerful and modern artillery piece that we are all proud of,” he says. “It’s an honor to serve in the Mixed Artillery Brigade, which offers secure employment, early retirement benefits, career advancement opportunities, and an excellent military healthcare system for service members and their families.”
Part of the training involves learning how to maneuver, load, and maintain the B-52 M-15 Nora. Corporal Filip Stanković, a howitzer operator, describes his primary responsibilities: “I maneuver the howitzer, load it with artillery ammunition, and quickly switch it from traveling to combat mode. The 155 mm B-52 M-15 Nora is equipped with a 155 mm gun and a 20 mm gun, as well as a 12.7 mm machine gun.”
The Nora B-52, also referred to as the Nora B-52 M15, is a self-propelled artillery system designed and produced in Serbia by the Military Technical Institute and the Yugoimport SDPR company. It entered production in 2006 and is still manufactured today, offering a highly appealing combination of firepower, mobility, and protective capacity for military forces. Its weight varies between 27.4 and 34 metric tons depending on the version (K0, K1, M03, or K-I), and its dimensions (approximately 11 meters long, 2.95 meters wide, and 3.45 meters high) make it both imposing and sufficiently maneuverable. The vehicle is powered by a 410-horsepower turbo-diesel engine combined with an 8x8 configuration designed for difficult terrain, allowing for a top road speed of about 90 km/h and a range of up to 1,000 kilometers for the K-I version.
Its main armament is a 155 mm/52-caliber gun (with either a 23 or 25-liter chamber, depending on the configuration), capable of firing between 6 and 12 rounds per minute, with the option of releasing the first three rounds in just 20 seconds. Its maximum firing range reaches 56 kilometers when using ERFB/RA-BB VLAP-type munitions, giving the Nora a significant tactical advantage for long-range fire support missions. In terms of protection, its armor meets STANAG 4569 standards: Level II for the front and rear, and Level I on the sides, plus anti-mine protection (STANAG 4569 Level 2A and 2B) and an NBC protection system thanks to a pressurized hull and ventilation-filtration system. Secondary armament includes a 7.62 mm machine gun, with the possibility of installing a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm remotely controlled weapon station, depending on mission requirements. Thanks to its mobility, firepower, and protective features, the Nora B-52 stands out as an excellent choice for armies seeking a versatile and effective artillery system.
The Mixed Artillery Brigade is the largest artillery unit in the Serbian Armed Forces, playing a crucial role in military operations. Through these comprehensive training exercises, Serbia continues to invest in the preparedness and effectiveness of its artillery forces, ensuring their ability to provide robust fire support under all circumstances.