Zuzana: Ukrainian servicemen are studying to master the Slovak ACS, purchase talks are ongoing – media

Currently, the Ukrainian servicemen are training to master the Slovak Zuzana self-propelled units.

European Pravda reported about this with reference to Aktuality.

At the moment, the agreement on purchasing these wheeled ACS for the Armed Forces of Ukraine has not yet been concluded.

“I can confirm – and you are the first to whom I have confirmed this – that the training of Ukrainians to use these vehicles is already underway, so there is a serious and very intense interest,” said the Defense Minister Jaroslav Nagy in his comment to the Slovak newspaper.

However, the Minister did not comment on the details of the agreement.

It is still unknown when the contract will be finally concluded and at what price the artillery weapons will be purchased. However, it is noted that after signing, some ACS might be delivered almost immediately.

“It should be noted that these are vehicles that are in production. That is, some are available to give immediately or in the coming weeks. And then some in the coming months,” Nagy said.

According to the Minister, Ukrainians should be gradually getting at least eight units, although there might be more.

Previously, the media reported that Ukraine intends to purchase 2 batteries of Slovak artillery units, i.e. 16 self-propelled gun howitzers with a 155 mm caliber. The training of the Ukrainian crew could take approximately a week.

Production of the Zuzana self-propelled howitzer in Slovakia was established back in the 1990s. The original model for it was the Czechoslovak vz.77 Dana. The new self-propelled artillery system, however, received a 155mm gun with a longer barrel, which increased its range.

The maximum firing range of Zuzana is 40 kilometers.

In 2021, Slovakia has launched a planned replacement of the Zuzana self-propelled howitzer with the new Zuzana model. The first eight new 155mm ACSs were delivered on July 22, 2021.