The ZSU-23-4 anti-aircraft self-propelled gun, despite its venerable age, is still in service with the armies of more than three dozen countries.
Recent pictures of soviet made ZSU-23-4 Shilka self propelled anti aircraft guns of the Angolan military during a training. pic.twitter.com/SqcA3qf89x
— Military Africa (@militaryafrica) May 10, 2021
For example, they are armed with air defense units of the Angolan ground forces. There are about 50 pieces in total.
The first deliveries of samples of such equipment from the Soviet Union were conducted in the late 70s. At this time, the armed forces of the young state resisted the aggressive actions of the air force of the South African Republic.
Specialists from the USSR helped to operate the ZSU. There were "Shilki" and the Cuban military contingent located in this hot spot.
The power of the 23-mm rapid-fire self-propelled guns was also felt by the militants of the UNITA group, who tried to attack the positions of the Angolan combined arms brigades.
Very popular among the military of this country are "Slingshots" -paired small-caliber rapid-fire guns ZU-23-2. They have long taken part in the fighting against the rebels and the Yuarovites.
As in many armies of the world, the guns are installed in the bodies of all-terrain vehicles. In Angola, the Russian three-axle Ural-4320, two-axle GAZ-3308 "Sadko" and German Unimog (4x4) are used for this purpose.
Such mobile installations can perform air defense tasks and provide fire support to infantry and tank units.
Alexey Brusilov
