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Vietnam Combines Old Soviet S-60 Guns With Modern Radar to Create New Air Defence System.
During the DSE 2024 defense exhibition in Vietnam, the AZP anti-aircraft defense system was introduced as a new protection system for strategic infrastructures. Developed by a Vietnamese company, the AZP aims to enhance the defense of airports, docks, factories, and military bases against a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, bombers, paratroopers, and drones. The system integrates advanced technologies, specially designed to meet the current needs for defense against aerial attacks.
The AZP anti-aircraft defense system is being presented for the first time at the DSE 2024 defense exhibition in Vietnam. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
DSE 2024, taking place from December 19 to 22 at Gia Lâm Airport in Hanoi, is the second international defense exhibition in Vietnam. This event gathers nearly 200 exhibitors from 27 countries, including renowned defense companies worldwide. The main objective of the event is to showcase advancements in the production and deployment of defense equipment, while fostering international cooperation in the defense sector. Participants include companies from countries such as the United States, Russia, China, Iran, and Israel, highlighting the diverse strategic partnerships of Vietnam.
The AZP anti-aircraft defense system is being presented for the first time at the DSE 2024 defense exhibition in Vietnam. This marks its debut on the international stage, showcasing its advanced capabilities and design. Developed by a Vietnamese company, the AZP is introduced as a new solution for enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure against a variety of aerial threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. Its unveiling at DSE 2024 is a significant milestone for both the system and the country's defense sector, as it demonstrates Vietnam's growing technological capabilities in modern air defense.
The AZP system stands out due to its combination of radar, electro-optical systems, and its battle management system (BMS), which ensures optimal coordination between different defense units. This technological integration enables the system to quickly detect and identify aerial threats, providing an immediate and precise response. The AZP system is designed to function effectively in situations where rapid intervention is critical for national security.
In terms of technical specifications, the AZP primarily operates within a short-range reconnaissance zone, making it ideal for countering immediate threats. It has an impressive target tracking accuracy of 0.1°, ensuring precise tracking even in complex environments. Additionally, with a response time of just 4 seconds to prepare for target interception, the AZP guarantees optimal reactivity against imminent threats.
The AZP System also offers several firing modes, providing increased flexibility for defense operations. It can combine the use of radar and electro-optical sensors to adjust the attack mode depending on the situation. This ability to adjust firing parameters enhances the accuracy of the strike, making the system even more effective in quickly neutralizing a threat. The AZP can also operate in either parallel or converged mode, depending on the type of threat and the tactical situation.
The AZP S-60 is a Soviet-designed 57mm autocannon that has been in service since 1950 and continues to be used in various conflicts worldwide and this new system. Originally designed by Vasiliy Grabin and produced by TsAKB, this autocannon has seen widespread use in numerous military engagements, including the Vietnam War and more recently in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Its design features a recoil-operated mechanism with a four-wheeled carriage equipped with outriggers for stability. The weapon can fire at a rate of 105 to 120 rounds per minute in cyclic mode, and it has an effective firing range of up to 6,000 meters when radar-guided or 4,000 meters with optical guidance.
The S-60 was designed to offer both high mobility and strong firepower, and it has been widely used as part of anti-aircraft artillery systems. Its versatility is reflected in its operational history, where it has been employed in diverse combat scenarios, ranging from conventional wars to civil conflicts. The weapon’s muzzle velocity of 1,000 meters per second allows it to effectively engage aerial targets at considerable distances, making it a valuable asset in anti-aircraft defense systems. The weapon's continued use, including in modern conflicts, highlights its enduring reliability and effectiveness in combat situations. In the context of the new Vietnamese anti-aircraft defense system, the AZP S-60 serves as a key component, enhancing the overall firepower and operational range of the system.
This anti-aircraft defense system strengthens the protection of sensitive infrastructures against a variety of threats. The AZP highlights the country's progress in defense and underscores its commitment to enhancing its capabilities in the face of contemporary air security challenges.