India's ZU-23 Proves Effective Against Low-Altitude Threats in Counter-Drone Exercises

Recent war games conducted in India's Combatised Uttar Bharat Area (CUBA) have demonstrated the formidable capabilities of the ZU-23 mm anti-aircraft gun system in neutralizing low-level aerial threats.

The gun's precision and swift target engagement during the exercises underscore its continued value in India's evolving air defence network.

The CUBA war games highlight India's ongoing strategic recalibration in response to ongoing border tensions. This restructuring, spurred by the Galwan Valley clash, saw the transfer of responsibility for the sensitive Himachal and Uttarakhand borders with China from the Northern Command to the Central Command.

Led by the late Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and current Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane, this realignment aimed to streamline operations and bolster border security.

The ZU-23: A Legacy Weapon with Continued Relevance​

The ZU-23, a Soviet-era twin-barreled anti-aircraft gun, remains a reliable component of India's air defence strategy. Its effectiveness against low-flying aircraft, drones, and helicopters makes it a valuable asset in protecting ground troops and strategic installations.

"The ZU-23 may be an older system, but as these exercises demonstrate, it still packs a punch," commented defence analyst Rajeev Sharma. "Its accuracy and firepower are essential for countering the growing threat posed by low-cost, unmanned aerial vehicles."

Evolving Defence Strategies​

The CUBA war games and the ZU-23's continued utility reflect India's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces amidst a shifting security landscape.

The upcoming implementation of Theatre Commands is anticipated to further optimize force integration and enhance operational effectiveness.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

The ZSU-23- 2 towed and the ZSU-23-4 Shilka self propelled anti aircraft were always a feared opponent during much if the Vietnam War. It actually lead to development of AH-64 Apache attack helicopter with Hellfire missile to specifically engage armored targets protected by Shilka without having the need to ingress within its engagement envelope.

Though onselete against modern helicopters and fighter aircraft, it still has retained some use due to its incredible rate of fire. Countries that have old units of these have chosen to repurpose it rather than waste it. Poland for instance has equipped its Shilka with Piroun MANPAD and a new IR tracking system and radar. Whike India seems to have made up its mind to use it in counter drone role and equipped it with a new TV/IR camera and a small AESA radar. With new updated firecontrol system software it is quite effective at counter drone operations.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

The ZSU-23- 2 towed and the ZSU-23-4 Shilka self propelled anti aircraft were always a feared opponent during much if the Vietnam War. It actually lead to development of AH-64 Apache attack helicopter with Hellfire missile to specifically engage armored targets protected by Shilka without having the need to ingress within its engagement envelope.

Though onselete against modern helicopters and fighter aircraft, it still has retained some use due to its incredible rate of fire. Countries that have old units of these have chosen to repurpose it rather than waste it. Poland for instance has equipped its Shilka with Piroun MANPAD and a new IR tracking system and radar. Whike India seems to have made up its mind to use it in counter drone role and equipped it with a new TV/IR camera and a small AESA radar. With new updated firecontrol system software it is quite effective at counter drone operations.

Yeah, upgrading it with modern sensors, and automating it like land based CIWS would be great option for killing drones and LM

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Yeah, upgrading it with modern sensors, and automating it like land based CIWS would be great option for killing drones and LM

Absolutely, ZSU-23 is a wonderful platform as far as rapid firing rate goes. So rather than disposing it all together, using its absurd firepower makes sense. Just have to replace those ancient electronics and fire control system and u have urself a fairly competent platform to knockout drones and loitering munitions.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Absolutely, ZSU-23 is a wonderful platform as far as rapid firing rate goes. So rather than disposing it all together, using its absurd firepower makes sense. Just have to replace those ancient electronics and fire control system and u have urself a fairly competent platform to knockout drones and loitering munitions.

I watched it in action in recent Bharat shakti exercise. It made quite a mess with an insane amount of bullet casings being unloaded lol.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

I watched it in action in recent Bharat shakti exercise. It made quite a mess with an insane amount of bullet casings being unloaded lol.

Yup!! the firing rate of ZSU was never a problem, the problem was its relatively obsolete sighting and fire control system and an ancient fire control radar. They were incapable of meeting their original role to defend against helicopters. In fact, AH64 was specifically developed to neutralize this very weapon system by engaging it beyond its effective range. As a result, Shilka lost favor and was looked down upon, however the forces that have actually used it know its advantage of being able to put down huge fire power with its quad--23mm guns, what India and Poland have down is to give it a new lease of life and give it a new purpose. The Polish Pilka seems to have evolved into a well-balanced gun-missile combined self propelled air defense system. While India seems to have retained its role as a self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery unit and modernized it by adding a more powerful AESA radar, and a dedicated FLIR/IRST/TV sensor to track targets. land-based

And yes as u said it would indeed be used as a dedicated mobile land-based CIWS system, that would be moving with armored columns and defend them against loitering munitions and drones. On the other hand, the L&T Sudarshan CIWS system would be a dedicated land based CIWS used for base defense. However, it goes about in a different manner, and rather than matching ZSU in fire rate it goes about dispensing a far more destructive round which has great concussive strength.

Oh by the way on another note, u were asking a couple days back what auto-cannon or automatic cannon was? well ZSU is an auto-cannon so is the 30mm gun on BMP, Panstir and Tunguska.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Oh by the way on another note, u were asking a couple days back what auto-cannon or automatic cannon was? well ZSU is an auto-cannon so is the 30mm gun on BMP, Panstir and Tunguska.

I had mainly heard the term auto-cannon being used for the Attack helicopter gun turret.

 

[Prashu Sam]

What a coincident with name CUBA!!!. It is from cuban/US conflict era gun and just like BMP-2, T-72 we are obsessed with it like grandpa obsessed with his belongings that are 50 years old.

Either we shoot for too high or too low but rarely practical approach when it comes to defense modernization