DEFENCE
DEFENCE
ARMAMENTS
![_ZUZANA-2-COVER](https://defenceredefined.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ZUZANA-2-COVER.jpg)
A few months ago the Slovak Armed Forces received the first ZUZANA-2 155mm self-propelled gun howitzers, while according to local media, deliveries will continue as planned until the end of 2022.
The purchase of 25 ZUZANA-2 units was approved in 2018 by the previous leadership of the Ministry of Defence and the Government of the Slovak Republic. The new systems will complement the existing 16 ZUZANA 2000 gun howitzers with a total acquisition cost (including locally made ammunition) of around € 174 million.
This system is manufactured by Konštrukta-Defense, member of the DMD Group, and was showcased, among others, at last year’s DEFEA in Athens.
Compared to its predecessor – the ZUZANA 2000 which also serves in the National Guard – the ZUZANA-2 features a Type-V 8-cylinder engine (Tatra T3D-928), 155 mm/52 caliber cannon (instead of a 45-caliber one), while it is also equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun instead of a lighter one (7,62mm).
In addition, the ZUZANA-2 provides level 3 ballistic protection to the turret according to the STANAG 4569 standard. The system is operated by four soldiers and its maximum range is over 50 km with a Velocity Enhanced Artillery Projectile (VLAP). The total number of projectiles it can carry is 40.
Also read: National Guard | Artillery Exercises with NORA 155 mm self-propelled howitzers – Photos
In 2000, 12 ZUZANA self-propelled units (2000G version) were delivered to the Hellenic Army but ended up in the National Guard as compensation – according to information at the time – for the transfer of S-300s to the Hellenic Air Force (as was done for the TOR-M1 systems).
In addition to the ZUZANA howitzers, the National Guard also has TATRAPAN 6×6 Command Fire Control vehicles in its arsenal.
1/2 ⚔ 🇨🇾🇬🇷 Το αυτοκινούμενο (τροχοφόρο) πυροβολικό της #ΕΦ. #NoraB52KE και #Suzana 155mm. Σε κοντινή 📷 με #Nora διακρίνεται το συζυγές πυροβόλο 20mm για σκοπούς εκπαίδευσης & αυτοπροστασία ενώ σε άλλη 📷 διακρίνεται όχημα Διοίκησης & Πυρός #Tatrapan για πυροβολαρχία Suzana 🇬🇧👇 pic.twitter.com/S6I3QEtyF0
— DEFENCE ReDEFiNED (@Def_Redefined) October 7, 2021
ZUZANA 2000 main features:
- Crew: 4 persons
- Length: 12.97 meters
- Width: 3,015 meters
- Height: 3.3 meters (without cannon)
- Combat Weight: 28,800 tonnes
- Engine: Tatra T3-930.52V12 diesel
- Power: 360 hp (max)
- Speed: 80 km/hour (max)
- Range: up to 750 km
- Chassis: Tatra 815 VP31 8×8
- Caliber: 155 mm/45 caliber
- Maximum Range: 40 km
- Ammunition: High-Explosive, Extended-Range High-Explosive, and High-Explosive Anti-Tank
During their 20+ years of service in the National Guard, the 155 mm ZUZANA self-propelled gun howitzers have been undoubtedly combat proven.
In December 2020, the National Guard received the 2nd Squadron of NORA B52 155mm self-propelled howitzer guns from Serbia, while according to reports it is also expected to receive the modern Tamnava Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) also from Serbia. These armaments are expected to boost the capabilities of the Artillery of the National Guard of Cyprus.
Also read: Tamnava MLRS | High firepower with the ability to launch 122 and 262 mm rockets
ARMAMENTS
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION
Raytheon | Fined $200 million by the State Department
The State Department has fined RTX (Raytheon) $200 million after announcing that it violated regulations on the export of US defence…
MSI Defense Solutions | 6 EAGLS C-UAS systems to US Army
MSI Defense Solutions has delivered the first counter-UAS system, EAGLS, for use by the US Army. Through the Rapid Acquisition Authority…
Serbia | Signing of a contract for the acquisition of 12 Rafale fighter aircraft
Serbia will acquire 12 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation for 2.7 billion euros, President Aleksandar Vucic announced…
Turkey | Release of propaganda documentary in response to the Famagusta series
The provocations of Turkey continue on the occasion of Netflix’s screening of the series Famagusta, which has to do with the invasion of…
Raytheon | Fined $200 million by the State Department
The State Department has fined RTX (Raytheon) $200 million after announcing that it violated regulations on the export of US defence…
United Kingdom | Suspension of 30 arms export licenses to Israel
Britain will immediately suspend 30 of its 350 arms export licenses to Israel because there is a risk the equipment could be…
Turkey | Request to join BRICS
Turkey submitted a request to join the BRICS months ago, as reported by the US network Bloomberg on Monday. Specifically, the sources…
Romania | Approval of a bill to deliver a Patriot battery to Ukraine
Romania’s coalition government today approved a bill facilitating the donation of a Patriot air defence system to Ukraine…
Russia | To change its nuclear doctrine in response to Western actions
Russia will make changes to its nuclear doctrine in response to Western actions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the TASS news…