Self-Propelled Gun SA-35 from PGZ Aims to Redefine Modern Air Defense.

The MSPO 2024 exhibition, taking place in Kielce, Poland, is one of the most significant showcases for the defense industry, highlighting cutting-edge technologies and strategic innovations. This year, among the many presentations, the SA-35 system, a 35 mm self-propelled gun, is drawing particular attention due to its advanced air defense capabilities.
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The SA-35 is mounted on a highly mobile JELCZ 6x6 chassis. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The SA-35, developed by PIT-RADWAR, a subsidiary of the Polish group PGZ, embodies the technological evolution in the field of short-range air defense systems. This 35 mm gun is mounted on a highly mobile JELCZ 6x6 chassis, designed to meet the specific needs of the Polish Armed Forces. The JELCZ platform, known for its robustness and ability to operate in difficult conditions, provides the SA-35 with essential tactical and strategic mobility for modern defense.

This system is designed to engage a variety of aerial targets, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones. Its ability to use programmable ammunition allows it to effectively counter smaller threats, such as kamikaze drones, which represent a growing danger on contemporary battlefields. The SA-35 can fire several types of ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds and airburst munitions (ABM), making it highly versatile.

One of the key strengths of the SA-35 is its ZGS-35 optoelectronic fire control system, integrated with the Tuga radio frequency command system. This system allows for autonomous detection, tracking, and interception of targets, reducing reliance on human operators and enhancing the system's responsiveness. The SA-35 can operate in automatic, semi-automatic, or autonomous modes, offering great operational flexibility.

The SA-35 is also compatible with existing air defense systems in Poland, making it easier to integrate into current defense batteries. This compatibility, combined with a high level of automation, reduces personnel requirements and simplifies maintenance, making it a cost-effective solution for the armed forces.

Beyond its firing capabilities, the SA-35 stands out for its rapid deployment speed. Thanks to its modular design, it can be quickly deployed in the field and ready to fire in just a few minutes. This feature is crucial for short-term protection of strategic infrastructure or troop formations on the move.

The SA-35 was designed not only for static defense but also for dynamic operations requiring rapid changes in combat position. The JELCZ chassis provides the ability to move quickly while maintaining high-precision firing capability, even while on the move.

The presentation of the SA-35 at MSPO 2024 highlights Poland's commitment to modernizing its air defense capabilities, as well as the renewed importance of air defense systems equipped with guns, following the rise of drone use in Ukraine. The SA-35, with its combination of firepower, mobility, and advanced technology, represents a significant advancement in protection against a wide range of aerial threats, making the system particularly relevant in the context of today's security challenges.