Source : IgMp Bureau
Indian Army turns Soviet-era Shilka Anti-Aircraft Gun into a Formidable Hybrid Anti-Drone System; Deploys the system at LoC to deter Pakistani drones
In response to the escalating menace of swarm drones in contemporary warfare, Major Nagaraj SY and his comrade Mohammed Firoze Khan, both adept air defense officers of the Indian Army, have innovated a cutting-edge hybrid anti-drone system. This system ingeniously merges an indigenous jammer with an enhanced Shilka Weapon System, proving highly effective against swarm drone attacks. The upgraded Shilka can proficiently track and neutralize incoming drones from a considerable distance, utilizing both kinetic and non-kinetic mechanisms.
Integration and Deployment of Upgraded Shilka with Anti-Drone System
Within a remarkable timeframe of 8-10 months, the integrated anti-drone system has been successfully developed and deployed by the Indian Army. The strategic placement of the upgraded Shilka with anti-drone capabilities is primarily focused on fortifying the western sector against potential threats.
Soviet Era ZSU-23-4 Shilka Anti-Aircraft Gun
Historical Background
The ZSU-23-4 Shilka, a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system, originated from the Soviet era and was first introduced by Russia in 1965. Featuring four 23mm gas-operated cannons mounted on a tracked platform, the nomenclature ZSU-23-4 reflects its distinctive characteristics. Functioning as a highly mobile support system for mechanized formations, it marked the inception of modern self-propelled systems in India.
Arsenal Specifications
The armament of the ZSU-23-4 Shilka comprises four 23mm gas-operated cannons with a vertically moving breechblock locking system. With a high cyclic rate of fire reaching 3400 rounds per minute across its four barrels, on-board fire control radar, and power supply, the ZSU-23-4 is a formidable defense vehicle. As of the military balance report in 2020, the Indian Army possesses a total of 75 ZSU-23-4 air defense vehicles.
Operational Capabilities
Capable of engaging targets with one or two of its four cannons, the ZSU-23-4 Shilka boasts a maximum effective range of 2,500 meters against aerial targets. Additionally, it can be repurposed to target land-based threats. The RPK-2 radar, situated at the turret’s rear, facilitates search, detection, automatic tracking, and range determination, boasting a maximum detection range of 20 km. Operating on the GM-575 tracked armored vehicle chassis, derived from components of the PT-76 light tracked amphibious tank, the ZSU-23-4 can achieve a maximum road speed of 50 km/h with a cruising range of 450 km.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) Upgrade
In collaboration with the Indian Army, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has executed a comprehensive upgrade of the ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (SPAAGs). This upgrade involves the incorporation of a state-of-the-art 3D planar active phased-array solid-state radar and an electro-optical fire-control system. These additions provide day and night capabilities for target detection, acquisition, and tracking.
Enhanced Tracking Capabilities
The upgraded Shilka system boasts electronic beam-steering and track-while-scan (TWS) search capabilities, conducting circular and sector scans to enhance single-target and multitarget tracking. Additionally, the system is equipped with electronic counter-countermeasures capabilities, reinforcing its resilience against sophisticated threats.
Technological Advancements
The inclusion of an inertial navigation system (INS) with Global Positioning System (GPS) integration ensures system stabilization and navigation. A high-power engine, improved internal and external communication systems, and an air-conditioning system contribute to the Shilka’s enhanced operational efficiency. Furthermore, upgrades to the fire detection and suppression system, along with integrated displays, enhance overall functionality. The incorporation of a built-in simulator aids in operator training, ensuring optimal utilization of the upgraded Shilka system.
In conclusion, the Indian Army’s deployment of the upgraded Shilka with an anti-drone system represents a significant leap in defense capabilities, effectively countering evolving threats in modern warfare. The fusion of historical prowess with cutting-edge technology positions the Shilka as a formidable asset in safeguarding national security.
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