The crews of Nora B-52 M-15 155 mm self-propelled howitzers from Yugoimport-SDPR product range, which have been in service of the Serbian Army for several years, are currently undergoing collective training at the training grounds and in the training area near Niš. The NORA B-52 self-propelled gun-howitzer was developed to replace older artillery systems in service with the Serbian Army. First 12 NORA B-52’s were delivered to the Serbian Army in 2007 and more systems of this type were ordered. It provides fire support with heavy, sudden and rapid fire at targets of tactical, operational and strategic importance at long ranges. The training is performed with the aim of improving the skills of the members of the division of the Mixed Artillery Brigade equipped with self-propelled howitzers, Nora, for the preparation and execution of operations, by utilizing the capabilities of this modern weapon to the maximum.
During the training, the crews practice taking up firing position, timely acquisition of targets, the use of automated fire control system and the execution of indirect fire, in accordance with established standards and norms for effective action. The NORA B-52 is fitted with a 155 mm/L52 gun-howitzer with an automatic gun loader enabling rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute. Maximum firing range is 20 km with ordinary projectile and 41 km with rocket-assisted projectile. Continuous training and practice are crucial to maintaining the high level of competence and combat readiness of the division, whose ability to provide reliable, accurate and powerful fire support to Serbian Armed Forces units while conducting operations has significantly increased following the introduction of 155 mm gun-howitzer Nora into operational use.
The Nora (Novo ORuzje Artiljerije – new artillery weapon) B-52 is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer developed by Military Technical Institute and manufactured by Yugoimport SDPR in Velika Plana, Serbia. All versions have differences in chassis, armour, turret, loading and support system. All versions with automatic loader features multiple rounds simultaneous impact capability. Standard equipment includes a computerized fire control system and a land navigation system. Ballistic protection is provided against small arms fire, shell splinters and some mines. First NORA B-52 artillery systems were mounted on the FAP 2832 truck, which is built in Serbia under Mercedes-Benz license. However it was soon replaced in production by improved systems, mounted on the Russian KamAZ 8×8 trucks chassis. Special truck chassis upgrade as resupply vehicle for ammunition reload was developed and used within battery of Nora B-52 self-propelled howitzer.
Serbia has exported the Nora B-52 artillery systems (B-52 selected versions of self-propelled howitzer K1, KE, KI), 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, Cyprus, Kenya and Bangladesh. One howitzer on MAN chassis tested by the U.S. Army in 2021 as shoot-off participant together with Archer Artillery System, CAESAR self-propelled howitzer and ATMOS 2000. One fully equipped battery usually consist of 6-12 self-propelled howitzer, reconnaissance 1-2 BOV M11, three command BOV M10, 3-6 munition trucks, communication and workshop vehicle, 2-3 general supply vehicles and 1-2 fire direction and gunfire locator vehicle with radar and sound ranging. With latest order for Cyprus instead BOV M11 the new BOV M16 Miloš was delivered as artillery reconnaissance and artillery battery command vehicle.
