ZSU-23-4M2: Afghan Escort Vehicle

Let’s take a look at the ZSU-23-4M2 (also known as the Shilka-M2), which is a special variant of the Shilka SPAA, used for accompanying tank columns during the Afghan War.

ZSU-23-4M2 “Shilka-M2”: An SPAA for the USSR at Rank V
At a glance:

• No radar compared to the other Shilkas.
  
• High rate of fire on the 23 mms!
  
• Increased ammunition: 4,000 rounds instead of 2,000.

Vehicle History
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During the course of the Afghan War, the 23 mm Shilka SPAA proved to be a good escort vehicle for tank columns, where its high firing automatic guns were used to fend off ambushes. Soon after, a special variant of the Shilka with no radar and an increased ammunition capacity of 4,000 rounds was developed and produced at the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant. In total, 18 ZSU-23-4M2 vehicles were produced, and in 1999, several more were modified to the M2 level to equip the Russian Army.
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Meet the ZSU-23-4M2!
This good old trusty Shilka will be arriving to the USSR ground forces tree in the form of a special Afghan variant without a radar and more ammunition. Let’s take a look at what kind of vehicle this is going to be when it comes to the game in the next major War Thunder update!




The ZSU-23-4M2 differs from the familiar rank VI Shilkas in two main aspects — it has no radar of any kind, but an increased ammo capacity of 4,000 rounds (2,000 ready to fire, with 2,000 to reload). At rank V, the ZSU-23-4M2 will be less reliable overall in the anti-tank role, as it will more commonly encounter opponents with strong frontal and side armor, which will often be functionally immune to the 23 mm guns. Despite this though, the ZSU-23-4M2 will be easily able to counter late prop and early jet aircraft with its sheer volume of fire. Even early helicopters won’t be safe, as they will generally have to get within range of the Shilka to use their more rudimentary weaponry.




Did you know? The name “Shilka” is derived from the Shilka river in southeast Russia.

Let’s take a look into its destructive and rapid-firing 23 mm cannons — as you’re probably aware, these cannons are continuously belt fed and have rather effective cooling. And as mentioned, instead of the traditional ammo capacity of 2,000 found on other Shilkas, the ZSU-23-4M2 has an increased ammo capacity of up to 4,000 rounds! In addition to the high rate of fire, this vehicle can also aim horizontally and vertically very quickly, making shooting and reacting to targets as easy as pie.



Despite the lackluster penetration power, you’re still going to be able to act as a support vehicle — in between keeping an eye on the sky, you’ll be able to assist your teammates on the ground with your incredible fire rate to tear off enemy tracks and barrels. Make sure to stick close to friendlies however, as you’re barely protected from light machine guns and will be an easy target at close range on your own.



That’s this blog done! All-in-all, the ZSU-23-4M2 should be a good alternative to the already familiar rank VI Shilkas in the game just at a lower rank. What do you think about this one? Let us know and in the meantime keep an eye on the news for more dev blogs covering new additions for the next major update!

Please note that this vehicle's characteristics may be adjusted before being added to the game.