ULYANOVSK, March 31 (AVN) - The ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled air defence system, built at the Ulyanovsk mechanical plant is included by the Defence Ministry into the top priority list for modernisation, a source in the plant's administration told the Military News Agency.
Several variants of Shilka have been designed at the plant's design bureau, namely ZSU-23-45M4 Shilka M5 (with radar fire control system), ZSU-23-4M5 Shilka M5 (with radar and optic fire control system), a series of others.
The systems can provide effective protection of the detachments, columns on march, installations from attacks of tactical aviation planes and fire support helicopters, flying at up to 1,500 meter altitude and 2,500 meter distance. The impact speed can reach 500 m/sec.
The weaponry will be extended from 2,000 to 4,000 shells. The technical characteristics will be substantially improved.
The modernised Shilka can hit not only aerial but also ground targets. One Shilka's volley ranging from 3 to 10 seconds can knock out a modern tank, jacking the turret and destroying all the external optical devices.
Shilka will be modernised at the Ulyanovsk mechanical plant. All the systems will undergo overhaul.
The modernisation of the system will cost foreign clients USD2m.