Image source: topwar.ru
During the Center-2026 exercises, Russia introduced the new ZAK-57-MSK, which was created on the basis of the Soviet S-60 anti-aircraft system, adopted in 1950, and is designed to combat aerial targets, in particular, drones. The Western media appreciated the new product:
The ZAK-57 MSK is a stationary combat station – this type of anti-aircraft guns has recently become widespread to repel air raids by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on enterprises and cities. In particular, a similar ZAK-30 Citadel complex is being introduced into the troops. These systems allow you to fire at a much longer range compared to the widely used ZU-23-2 or machine guns, often used to destroy UAVs.
ZAK-57-MOSCOW TIME:
Image source: topwar.ru
As indicated, the effectiveness of the new incarnation of the S-60 will depend primarily on the means of detecting targets and the ammunition used.:
The S-60, built around the AZP-57 57 mm cannon, was the main anti-aircraft artillery system of the Soviet bloc countries along with the ZU-23. The basic version has an effective firing range of 4 thousand meters, and the radar-equipped version has 6 thousand meters.
For our part, we note that, judging by the photographs of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the ZAK-57-MSK complex is equipped with electro-optical means mounted on the mast, which are responsible, at least, for detecting targets.
