Russia unveils experimental ZAK-23E self-propelled anti-aircraft gun for counter-UAS role
The ZAK-23E is based on the BTR-82A and an unmanned combat module with two 23mm 2A7M autocannons. (Photo: Alex Orlov)
Russia’s JSC Tulamashzavod and JSC Research Center Elins presented a new ZAK-23E self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) at the Army-2023 event near Moscow in mid-August. It is an experimental vehicle that is designed to combine robust and mass-produced components and is capable of firing programmable airburst rounds.
The ZAK-23E was initially unveiled at a closed event in 2022 and made its first public appearance during the ‘Engineers of the Future 2023’ industrial forum on June 26, 2023, near Tula. According to representatives from Tulamashzavod, the vehicle is currently in the early stages of development.
The system consists of a remote weapon station with two 23mm 2A7M autocannons mounted on a BTR-82A 8x8 armoured vehicle. The targeting system includes a meteorological sensor, a target acquisition radar and a panoramic electro-optic senor developed by JSC Elins. Allegedly, the combat module could also be fitted on other wheeled and tracked chassis.
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