Azerbaijan has launched a significant enhancement of its aging military weapons and equipment to more effectively confront emerging threats.
Local defense firm Sumgait Technologies Park collaborated with Czech Czechoslovak Group to modernize 23 Soviet-era Shilka anti-aircraft guns currently in service with the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
Presented at the ADEX 2024 defense expo, the upgraded weapon features a new radar station capable of simultaneously tracking up to 100 targets at a maximum distance of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles).
It has also been fitted with a new digital fire control system that aids in effective target neutralization.
While the self-propelled gun retains the same power output, its auxiliary power unit has been replaced with a Lombardini 35.5 Hp liquid-cooled diesel engine.
The weapon is expected to receive new short-range anti-aircraft missiles as the upgrade progresses.
Osa Anti-Aircraft Missile
Another obsolete weapon undergoing significant upgrades is the Osa anti-aircraft missile system.
It is now capable of detecting fighter-type targets at a maximum range of 60 kilometers (37.3 miles), an improvement over the previous version’s operational range of 45 kilometers (28 miles).
The upgraded Osa can also simultaneously track 150 targets at altitudes not exceeding 6,000 meters (3.73 miles).
Furthermore, the weapon has been equipped with an optronic infrared system for automatic visual tracking of air targets, even in low-light environments.
T-72A Aslan Tanks
Azerbaijan’s aging T-72A Aslan tanks have also received enhancements, extending the service life of their chassis and guns.
They have also been outfitted with Kontakt-5 active armor modules for improved protection against anti-tank missiles and loitering munitions.
Additionally, the tanks now have Israeli-made thermal imaging fire control systems to increase their combat effectiveness in low-visibility conditions.
It was not immediately clear how many T-72As have been upgraded as part of the large-scale modernization drive.