Croatia Demonstrates Its BOV-3 20mm Mobile Anti-Aircraft Gun System During Exercise Shield 24.

The Croatian Army showcased the capabilities of the BOV-3 20mm self-propelled mobile air defense gun during Exercise Shield 24, an annual Croatian-led air defense exercise designed to enhance the execution of air defense tasks against low and medium-altitude targets. This year's event, held in Pula, Croatia, saw a significant joint training effort that included forces from several allied nations.
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Croatian soldiers showcase the combat capabilities of the BOV-3 mobile anti-aircraft gun system during Exercise Shield 24. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

Participants in the exercise included the 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (C/1-57 ADAR) of the 173rd Airborne Brigade from the U.S. Army, alongside allied forces from the Polish Armed Forces, Slovenian Army, and French Armed Forces. Together, these units engaged in comprehensive training on air defense tactics, techniques, and procedures, focusing on air-space control and live fire engagements.

The exercise serves not only as a platform for showcasing the advanced capabilities of the Croatian Army's air defense systems but also as a critical venue for enhancing interoperability among NATO allies and partners. The joint training exercises are essential for developing a unified approach to air defense, sharing knowledge and tactics among participating nations, and ensuring readiness to respond to any aerial threats.

The successful demonstration of the BOV-3 and the collaborative efforts of the allied forces underscore the importance of multinational cooperation in maintaining air security in Europe. Exercise Shield 24 has set a new benchmark for air defense training, emphasizing the role of advanced technology and international collaboration in safeguarding skies against evolving threats.

The BOV-3 is a triple 20 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun that was produced in the former Yugoslavia and unveiled at the 1984 Cairo Defence Exhibition. The vehicle has a crew of four with the driver and commander located at the front of the hull, while the gunner and loader operate from within the turret.

A defining feature of the BOV-3 is its open-topped turret, centrally mounted on the roof, complemented by an external turret basket at the rear. Unique to this design, access to the turret for reloading is facilitated exclusively from the vehicle's exterior, with extension pieces on the hull top flanking the turret. The turret itself is equipped with three 20mm cannons, capable of a full 360º hydraulic traverse at a notable speed of 80º/s and an acceleration of 120º/s². It allows weapon elevation ranging from -4.5 to +83º at a rate of 50º/s, with an acceleration of 60º/s², enabling a wide range of target engagement angles.

Each cannon operates with a drum-type magazine, which can hold 60 rounds of ammunition, featuring an external indicator to display the remaining rounds. With a cyclic rate of fire of 750 rounds per minute per barrel, the gunner, positioned at the rear of the turret, can select from various firing modes including single shots, bursts of 10 rounds, or sustained fire, ensuring versatility in response to threats. The system carries a total of 1,500 rounds of ammunition, with immediate-use drums in the turret and additional rounds stowed inside the vehicle for quick access.

The ammunition used is characterized by brass cartridge cases 110 mm in length, filled with NC powder as the propellant. The BOV-3 boasts an impressive maximum anti-aircraft engagement altitude of 2,000 meters, with an effective range between 1,000 and 1,500 meters. Furthermore, the 20 mm cannons are also capable of direct fire support against ground targets, extending their operational utility to a maximum range of approximately 2,000 meters. Targeting is facilitated by a J-171 sight mounted to the rear of the gun shield, with the gunner employing a joystick for elevation and traverse control and a foot pedal for firing, showcasing the BOV-3's comprehensive design for multifaceted engagement capabilities.

The BOV-3 is armed with three 20mm automatic cannons. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

Defense News April 2024