Yugoimport, a Serbian state-owned intermediary company for the import/export of defense-related equipment and Global Military Products, Inc. (GMP) has performed the accuracy test firing of an upgraded NORA B-52 M21 155m self-propelled howitzer howitzer system to compete in a “shoot off” evaluation event at Yuma Proving Grounds in 2021. The Serbian howitzer will compete against Elbit Systems of America ATMOS Iron Sabre, BAE Systems Archer and Nexter Caesar in the shoot-off. Interest was also reported in late 2020 from South Korea (Hanwha with its K9 Thunder) and Japan (Mitsubishi Type 19 prototype), as well as South Africa (Denel G6 Rhino) and Slovakia (ZTS Dana).
The NORA B-52 is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer weapon system developed by Military Technical Institute Belgrade for export and domestic use. The NORA provides a very reliable, capable and fielded wheeled 155mm artillery system. NORA features a fully automatic auto loader and a move-shoot-move while under armor capability to protect the entire crew on the battlefield. Serbia has exported the NORA B-52 artillery battlefield systems, reconnaissance BOV M11, command (BOV M10) and battery fire control and meteorological vehicles, ammunition loading trucks, artillery battlefield software for platoon, battery and division level to the armed forces of Myanmar, Kenya and Bangladesh.
Over the past few years, the NORA has been undergoing modernizations and upgrades that are sure to get the attention of the U.S. Army. The upgraded version, provides enhanced mobility, a larger chamber, automation and speed. ortance at long distances. The NORA B-52 M21 being prepared for the US trials has undergone upgrades to its chassis and to the fully automatic loader, to ensure compatibility with US Army propellant charges. Serbian Company Yugoimport unveils the new version of its NORA based on a MAN 8×8 military truck chassis.
The NORA provides a very reliable, capable and fielded wheeled 155mm artillery system. NORA features a fully automatic auto loader and a move-shoot-move while under armor capability to protect the entire crew on the battlefield. The NORA was designed to combat the battlefield doctrine of maneuver by fire employed by nations with large armored and artillery forces. This doctrine masses large quantities of artillery on a key target to rapidly overwhelm and eliminate it. The NORA will move to a position while syncing the fire control system, emplace, fire, and displace, before counter battery or maneuver forces can fix them.
