Prytula Foundation modernizes ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns with SkyLock systems

Ukrainian volunteers have modernized the Ukrainian Defense Forces’ ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns with SkyLock targeting systems.

The Serhiy Prytula Foundation reported transferring 20 such systems as part of the “Light Up the Enemy” project with Uklon.

The SkyLock optoelectronic sighting device helps mobile air defense groups detect and shoot down Russian drones.

SkyLock is equipped with a thermal imager and a system for determining the distance and height to the target.

The ZU-23 operator receives an image on a monitor that displays all the necessary information, including the target itself.

The Ukrainian Air Defense Forces began receiving this system in 2024.

In addition to the 23-mm ZU-23 twin gun, the sighting system is also installed on large-caliber machine guns of mobile groups.

The anti-aircraft system is effective against targets at an altitude of up to 2 kilometers and at a distance of up to 2.5 kilometers.

In 2024, it was announced that Ukraine started to receive modernized ZU-23-2CPs produced in Poland.

The ZU-23-2CP provides for the destruction of targets with 23-mm armor-piercing incendiary tracers (HEI-T), armor-piercing sub-caliber tracers (APDS-T and FAPDS-T) ammunition.

The Ukrainian plant Mayak has also launched the production of spare parts, tools, and accessories for the 23-mm ZU-23 twin anti-aircraft gun.

Ukrainian operators of these systems are trained using a modern simulator without the need for ammunition. The simulator allows to simulate the destruction of air and ground targets, infantry, and surface vessels.