The Slovak defense industry is best known for its production of self-propelled artillery howitzers and large-caliber ammunition; in this area, our eastern neighbor ranks among the European leaders. However, the capabilities and capacities of the Slovak defense industry are much broader, as confirmed, among other things, by the modernized version of the Soviet ZSU-23-4 Shilka anti-aircraft system. The improved version of the ZSU-23-4 SVK was recently presented by MSM Land Systems at the EDEX 2025 military technology fair in Egypt.

The ZSU-23-4 anti-aircraft system was manufactured in the Soviet Union from the 1960s onwards and was part of the arsenal of most of the armies of the former Warsaw Pact. It is therefore not surprising that even today, some countries in Central and Eastern Europe still have these systems in their warehouses. However, the truth is that the use of these anti-aircraft defense systems by European countries is rather unlikely, as most European countries are rearming with modern Western systems. On the other hand, non-European countries such as Ukraine, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, and Vietnam are also among the operators of the Shilka. All these countries together have hundreds of ZSU-23-4 Shilkas in their arsenals, representing potential for the Slovak modernized version, the ZSU-23-4 SVK.

The Slovak modernization of the legendary Shilka offers several improvements for potential buyers. The basis of the system continues to be the GM-575 tracked chassis and a combat turret with four 2A7M 23 mm cannons with an elevation range of -4 to 85 degrees. According to available information, a likely new feature is a rocket launcher located on the system's combat turret. The integration of an additional launcher increases the combat effectiveness of the system against aircraft, helicopters, drones, and other low-flying targets. The entire turret is stabilized, making it possible to fire while on the move.

The modernized version of the system also offers the introduction of modern optical and electronic components and fire control systems according to customer preferences. At the same time, the ZSU-23-4 SVK retains the original radar interface with the RPK-2 Tobol radar with a maximum range of 20 km and an interior for a four-member crew. The modernized version also features a maximum speed of around 50 km/h, high mobility in various types of terrain, and a range of 450 kilometers on paved roads or 300 kilometers on unpaved roads.

Thanks to the above improvements, MSM Land Systems offers comprehensive modernization and service solutions for potential customers who still have older versions of the ZSU-23-4 system in their arsenal. However, the Slovak defense industry has the capabilities and capacities to supply the necessary ammunition for these systems. As a result, the Slovak defense industry is able to deliver a complete tailor-made solution for its customers.

The ZSU-23-4 SVK should also be seen as further proof that the Slovak defense industry has a high-quality and broad base for modernizing systems from the Warsaw Pact era that are now obsolete. Specifically, in addition to modernizing the Šilka, MSM Land Systems also offers a modernization package for T-72 tanks called Scarab, the BVP Šakal project, and modernization of the BM-21 multiple rocket launcher. In addition to MSM Land Systems, the state-owned Konštrukta-Defence is also involved in the modernization of older systems from the Warsaw Pact era, with its portfolio including the modernized BVP-M vehicle (modernization of the BVP-1) and the improved RM-70/85 Modular multiple rocket launcher. Thanks to the fact that the Slovak arms industry has retained its ability to modernize "Eastern" technology, it can now reach out to potential customers in North Africa or Southeast Asia, where this technology is still active and in service with the local armed forces.