The Slovak Ministry of Defence has solidified its commitment to bolstering its military capabilities with the signing of a significant contract with ZVS Holding, a subsidiary of MSM Group. The agreement, entails the supply of 155mm artillery ammunition tailored for the Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers. Valued at a substantial EUR 122 million, the contract is slated for completion within 48 months. However, precise details regarding the quantity of artillery shells to be manufactured by ZVS Holding for the Slovak Armed Forces remain undisclosed. Notably, the Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers, integral to Slovakia’s defense strategy, are produced by Konstrukta Defence, a subsidiary of DMD Group, underscoring the nation’s commitment to enhancing its indigenous defense industry.
Zuzana 155 mm Gun Howitzer is a Slovak artillery system developed by KONŠTRUKTA – Defence, with a 45-caliber gun and automatic loader for loading of both projectile and charge. It is an evolution of the 152mm SpGH DANA self-propelled howitzer. The gun has a long range high accuracy and high rate of fire, it can be prepared promptly for firing, and it has a high level of mobility ensured by a modified Tatra 8×8 chassis. The design of the gun means it can use any NATO standard 155 mm ammunition. The fire control system allows for a multiple-round simultaneous-impact (MRSI) mode. One of the unique features of Zuzana is that the gun is mounted externally in between two totally separated compartments of the turret.
The Zuzana 2 is a recent Slovak self-propelled howitzer. It was developed by Konstrukta Defence. Updated version with a new 52-calibre gun, full 360-degree turret traverse and a new armored cab. It has passed Slovak Army trials in December 2009. Slovak army had ordered 25 self-propelled howitzers. The new version is claimed to possess Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability. It is armed with a new 52-caliber gun and has a longer firing range. This artillery system also has a redesigned forward control cab and a number of other improvements. The Zuzana XA1 prototype was first publicly revealed in 2008. Later this artillery system was renamed from Zuzana A1 to Zuzana 2.
The Zuzana 2 fires all standard NATO 155 mm shells. This self-propelled gun-howitzer is capable of both direct and indirect firing. The Zuzana 2 can carry 3 main types of ammunition, including standard high-explosive shells, extended-range high-explosive shells and high-explosive anti-tank shells for direct firing at an armored targets. Range of fire depends on the shell and charge combination. Maximum range of fire is 41 km with rocket-assisted shells. A total of 40 shells are carried by this artillery system. Ammunition is stored in conveyors. Beds in conveyers are universal for all 155 mm shells and charges. There is a fuze setter for automatic setting of electronic fuzes.
