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Ukrainian Army Uses Museum Piece Anti-Aircraft Gun As Auto-Cannon
Published 5 months ago
This footage, provided by the Ukrainian 56th Motorized Brigade, shows their 23rd Battalion using a Korean War-era anti-aircraft cannon to fire at Russian ground positions. The video is reportedly dated March of 2024.
The AZP S-60 was first designed and produced in 1950, based in part on studying captured German flak cannons (which also historically saw commonplace use as ersatz artillery). It was adopted and copied by many Warsaw Pact and Southeast Asian countries, and notably served as North Vietnam’s premier low-altitude anti-aircraft weapon. While it continued to be used in the anti-aircraft role, by the time of the Syrian Civil War, the AZP S-60 began to be used to shell ground targets. The vintage weapon system is currently outmoded in terms of general air defense in Ukraine, although a marriage of the cannon to a T-55 has been used to engage drones. However, an overwhelming majority of the time, the S-60 is used in an artillery role, as demonstrated here.
In short, 57-millimeter is 57-millimeter, and it doesn't matter how old the cannon firing it might be, given the right positioning and aim. However, I can’t refrain from borrowing from the esteemed Doctor Henry “Indiana” Jones, Jr.
“It belongs in a museum!”
About the Author
Cole Simms
Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.
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