A People's Army of Vietnam ZSU-23-4M unit that has been upgraded with Igla missiles and a locally developed electro-optical system. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)
The People's Army of Vietnam (PAV) has upgraded selected units of its ZSU-23-4M self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (SPAAGs) with a locally developed electro-optical system and Russia-supplied Igla surface-to-air missiles.
An example of the upgraded system was displayed by the service at the Vietnam International Defence Exhibition (VIDEX) 2022, which is taking place in Hanoi from 8 to 10 December. The ZSU-23-4M has been in service with the PAV since the late 1970s.
A PAV representative who spoke to Janes at the exhibition disclosed that an upgrade programme for the SPAAGs began in 2014 and it was conducted over the span of approximately four years.
As part of the upgrade, each SPAAG unit has been incorporated with four Igla missile launchers. This extends the unit's effective engagement range from 2,500 to 5,500 m and target kill altitude from 1,500 to 3,000 m.
Additionally, the SPAAG's target acquisition radar has been replaced with an electro-optical system that has been developed locally. The system incorporates a daylight camera, a thermal camera, and a laser rangefinder.
These components are controlled via an automatic target acquisition and tracking system that has been supplied by the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group.
The PAV representative declined to discuss matters concerning unit numbers citing confidentiality concerns.
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