Come Back Alive Modernized 16 Shilka Anti-Aircraft Guns

The Come Back Alive Foundation has modernized 16 ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, significantly increasing their combat capabilities.

The foundation said that it was thanks to 400 million hryvnias of charitable contributions that the installation received a deep technical modernization.

The Shilka is a self-propelled anti-aircraft system with four automatic guns designed to engage air targets.

Despite its robust design, over the years, the control and detection systems of this equipment have become obsolete, limiting its effectiveness in modern conditions.

As part of the project, the outdated radar stations were replaced with modern multifunctional systems capable of operating effectively in an intense air environment.

The analog computerized fire control system was replaced with a digital one, and a navigation system, converters and auxiliary equipment were integrated.

As a result of the upgrade, the target processing time was reduced from 18 to 0.2 seconds, and the maximum detection range more than doubled. The updated Shilka is now capable of tracking up to 20 air targets simultaneously.

The upgraded units were handed over to the National Guard of Ukraine, which provides cover for strategic facilities.

Shilka modernization

Back in 2020, the Ministry of Defense ordered modernized Shilka systems in the 3SU-23-4M-A1 version.

The 3SU-23-4M-A1 included the installation of a new multifunctional radar station Rokach-AS to replace the existing radar and the replacement of a specialized analog computer system with a modern digital one.

The vehicle was also equipped with a navigation system and a digital-to-analog converter unit.

In addition to the new radar, the ZSU-23-4M-A2 variant provided for the installation of an optoelectronic system that includes thermal imaging and television channels, as well as a laser rangefinder.