Roleradar-directed tracked gun air defense
Main weapon / systemfour 23 mm AZP-23 cannon
Platform / layoutGM-575 tracked chassis using PT-76-family automotive components
MediaPrimary image integrated
Development and design
Shilka integrated search/tracking radar, fire-control electronics, and four liquid-cooled 23 mm cannon in one turret. That integration sharply reduced the time between detecting a low-flying target and opening accurate fire. 1, 2
Operational use
The system was deployed widely across Soviet and allied forces and saw combat in the Middle East and other regions. Numerous upgrade programs later added improved electronics, optics, and in some cases missiles. 1, 2
Role and significance
Shilka made radar-directed gun air defense organic to mechanized formations and strongly influenced later gun/missile systems such as Tunguska. 1, 2
Sources and further reading
Representative source set used for this profile. Primary image source and reuse terms are listed with the image.