ARMAMENTS

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. 

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