ZU 23-2

ZU-23-2 developed in the late 1950s to engage aerial targets at altitudes up to 2.5 km and lightly armored targets up to two kilometers in combat operations of the armed forces (index according to Main missile and artillery control (MMAC) of the USSR 2A13). Mass production began in 1955.

Over 14,000+ anti-aircraft guns (ZU) were produced in the USSR, and it was also licensed for production in Bulgaria, Poland, Egypt, and China. The production of 23 mm ammunition for the ZU-23-2 was carried out at different times by Egypt, Iran, Israel, France, Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and South Africa. It is used as the basis for the ZSU-23-4 Shilka.

The ZU-23-2 was adopted by the Soviet Army in 1960. It was used during the war in Afghanistan (1979-1989) and also during the civil wars in the period of the collapse of the USSR (they were first installed on various vehicles from GAZ-66 to MT-LB). They were widely used in the russian army during the Chechen Wars.

The widespread use of this installation has led to the fact that recent wars, including the civil wars in Libya and Syria, practically cannot do without it. Ukrainian installations are located in units fighting in Donbass.

The State Enterprise "Artillery Armament Design Bureau", part of the State Concern "Ukroboronprom", has developed and mastered the production of 23-mm caliber barrels - Design Bureau 40 for the ZU-23-2 (2A13) anti-aircraft installation using its own circulating funds to implement the import substitution program.This became known at the “Weapons and Security 2017” military exhibition in October 2017. Barrels DB 40 will allow the prompt replacement of similar Soviet barrels that are currently used in ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns, which have proved to be an effective means of destroying both air and ground targets due to the high rate and range of fire.

In April 2020, decisive departmental tests of the localized version of the ZU-23-2 (2A13) produced by "Ukrainian Armored Vehicles" were conducted at the Rivne training ground. The tests were carried out by a team from the State Research Institute for Testing and Certification of Weapons and Military Equipment. Based on the test results, the experimental model is expected to be sent for controlled operation in the military and for further adoption of the ZU-23 modification in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

At the beginning of 2021, it became known that the "Mayak" plant had mastered the production of spare parts, tools, and equipment spare parts for the paired 23-mm anti-aircraft gun ZU-23. Serial production of spare parts, tools, and equipment has been launched. The plant also announced the start of serial production of spare parts for major overhaul of the paired 23-mm anti-aircraft gun ZU-23.

In October 2021, it became known that a multimedia complex for training the operators of the ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun had been installed in the 169th training center “Desna” by Logic Design Office. This complex provides simulation of the use of the ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun for training purposes without the use of ammunition. The complex can simulate the destruction of air and ground targets, infantry, and surface ships.