During the ADEX 2024 international defense exhibition in Baku, Azerbaijan presented a project to modernize ZSU-23-4 Shilka SPAAG. This project was implemented by the Azerbaijani Sumgait Technologies Park company in cooperation with the Israeli Elbit Systems defense company and the Czech CSG Defense.
The general goal of this project is to adapt the Shilka SPAAG to combat air targets in modern conditions with the support of new technologies, the Army Recognition reports.
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It is noted that 23 Azerbaijani ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns underwent similar modernization. It should be noted that the total number of such SPAAGs at the disposal of the Azerbaijani army is currently unknown.
As part of the modernization, the Azerbaijani Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft gun systems received, in particular, a new radar capable of detecting targets with a radar cross-section of 1 m² at 20 km, 0.1 m² at 10 km, and 0.01 m² at 7 km. This radar can simultaneously track up to 100 targets within a range of 15 km for 1 m² targets, 7 km for 0.1 m², and 4 km for 0.01 m², improving the Shilka’s interception capabilities against a wide range of threats.
The armament of the system remained unchanged, but the vehicle got new digital fire control system that precisely calculates the deflections needed to hit targets, enhancing the vehicle’s overall combat efficiency. COAPS-L electro-optical system by Elbit Systems was installed for visual target detection too.
In addition, as part of Azerbaijan's ZSU-23-4 Shilka modernization project, a new Lombardini LDW1404 diesel engine was installed instead of the old gas turbine power plant. This combat system also received a modern navigation system based on GPS positioning. It is also interesting that an electronic surveillance station was integrated on the Shilka to combat drones.
If we evaluate the project in general, then it can be called relevant for Ukraine as well, especially given the current conditions of russia-Ukraine war in the sky above our country. But then there is at least one important nuance - for this project, in particular, the work of the Israeli Elbit Systems was used, while Israel still occupies a specific position in terms of defense assistance for Ukraine, limited only to humanitarian support.
At the next stage of the project to modernize its ZSU-23-4 Shilka systems, Azerbaijan wants to integrate russian Verba MANPADS there, which is generally unacceptable for Ukraine.
As Defense Express reported earlier, the Ukrainian Air Force revealed the Skynex System in action for the first time (Video).
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