Modernizing Ukraine's Shilka anti-aircraft guns increases their firepower.
The Safe Return organization is funding the modernization of 16 ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns for the Ukrainian National Guard, replacing outdated radars with multi-functional systems, digitizing the fire control system, shortening target processing time to 0.2 seconds, and significantly increasing detection range to protect strategic facilities.
A number of Ukrainian ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns have undergone extensive modernization, with new radar and fire control systems that shorten target acquisition time, increase detection range, and enable simultaneous tracking of multiple targets. These systems have been delivered to the Ukrainian National Guard to protect strategic facilities.
Overview of the Shilka modernization project
The "Safe Return" organization has modernized 16 ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, significantly improving their combat capabilities. A representative of the fund stated that it was thanks to a charitable donation of 400 million hryvnia that these weapon systems received a comprehensive technical modernization.
The Shilka is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with four automatic cannons, designed to destroy airborne targets. Despite its robust design, over the years its control and detection systems have become outdated, limiting its effectiveness in modern warfare.
Major technical upgrades on the ZSU-23-4 Shilka
Multifunctional radar and electronic warfare capabilities
As part of the project, the outdated radar stations on the Shilka were replaced with modern, multi-functional systems capable of operating effectively under harsh electronic warfare conditions. This replacement helps the system maintain its ability to detect and track targets even when the enemy uses heavy jamming.
Thanks to modernization, the system's maximum detection range has more than doubled compared to before. The upgraded Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft gun is now capable of simultaneously tracking up to 20 airborne targets, providing a crucial foundation for firepower allocation and response to multiple threats.
Digitizing the fire control system.
The old analog fire control computer system has been replaced with a digital architecture. This includes the integration of new positioning systems, converters, and auxiliary equipment, enabling the synchronization of sensor data and fire control.
As a result, target processing time was drastically shortened, from 18 seconds to just 0.2 seconds. Reducing reaction time to a fraction of a second has significant operational implications, enabling the system to fire promptly at rapidly maneuvering airborne targets.
Handed over to the Ukrainian National Guard.
Modernized weapon systems have been delivered to the Ukrainian National Guard, tasked with protecting strategic facilities. The deployment of upgraded Shilka systems in key areas contributes to increased density of low-altitude air defense firepower, providing cover for critical military and civilian infrastructure.
Variants ZSU-23-4M-A1 and ZSU-23-4M-A2
It should be recalled that in 2020, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense ordered the modernization of the Shilka systems to the ZSU-23-4M-A1 version. According to the plan, the ZSU-23-4M-A1 was to be equipped with a new "Rokach-AS" multi-functional radar station to replace the existing one and to upgrade the specialized computing system with a modern digital system. The vehicle was also equipped with a navigation system and a digital signal converter.
The ZSU-23-4M-A2 variant, in addition to the new radar, is also equipped with an electro-optical system, including a thermal imaging channel and a television channel, as well as a laser rangefinder. The combination of radar and electro-optical sensors expands the ability to conduct reconnaissance and track targets in a variety of weather and lighting conditions.
Impact on air defense operations
The transition from older analog radar and fire control configurations to digital, multi-sensor systems brings Shilka closer to the requirements of low-altitude air defense in modern warfare. Its ability to quickly process targets, track multiple targets simultaneously, and operate in harsh electronic warfare environments significantly enhances the effectiveness of defending critical targets.
According to Militalnyi, these upgrade packages focus on extending the system's lifespan while maximizing the potential of the self-propelled anti-aircraft gun platform, which already possesses a robust mechanical structure, but is supplemented with new sensors and control systems suitable for today's combat environment.
