Context: Recently, the Government of India has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the manufacturing of 23-mm anti-drone ammunition, aimed at enhancing the Army’s air defence capabilities.
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- This ammunition is intended to be used with the existing Zu 23mm and Schilka Weapon Systems to counter drones, which have become a significant threat in modern warfare.
Key points from the RFI include:
- Purpose: The 23-mm anti-drone ammunition will increase the hit probability against drones, including Commercially Off-the-shelf (COTS), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and loitering munitions.
- Weapon Systems: The Zu 23mm and Schilka Weapon Systems, which are in service with the Army Air Defence (AD), have a high rate of fire but low hit probability because the guns are manually controlled, and ammunition causes damage only on direct impact.
- Make in India: The RFI invites responses from all Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private vendors, with a focus on “Atmanirbhar” for manufacturing.
ZU-23
- It is a towed 23mm twin-barrel light anti-aircraft gun, widely used globally. Designed in the Soviet Union in the mid-1950s and introduced in the 1960s, it is also known as the ZU-23-2.
- This compact and simple weapon is valued for its high rate of fire, though its effectiveness against ground targets has diminished over time.
Features:
- The key features of the 23 mm ZU-23-2 Twin Anti-Aircraft Cannon:
| Feature | Description |
| Armament | Two 2A14 autocannons firing 23x152mm rounds |
| Ammunition Capacity | 50-round belt per autocannon |
| Cyclic Rate of Fire | 2,000 rpm |
| Effective Range (Air Targets) | Up to 2.5 km |
| Effective Range (Ground Targets) | Up to 2 km |
| Target Type (Ground) | Lightly armored vehicles, personnel, Aircraft, UAV etc. |
| Cooling Requirement | Short bursts to prevent overheating |
Schilka Weapon Systems
- It is an advanced air defense system enhanced with modern radar, digital computer, engine GTE, and air conditioning for crew comfort.
- The electro-optical system, working alongside the radar, enables precise identification, acquisition, and tracking of targets in an ECM environment.
- The system can fire at aerial targets while on the move, accept cueing from external surveillance radar, and engage enemy aircraft in all weather conditions, both day and night.
- FEATURES
- 3D Active Phased Array Radar
- Single Target Tracking
- Multiple Target Tracking due to Electronic Steering in Elevation
- ECCM Features
- Optronic System (CCD / TI / LRF)
- Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) protection system