Modernization of Armed Forces delivers tangible results, after over 20 years gunners conduct live firing on howitzers while receiving guidance from helicopter

The SVK Armed Forcesʼhistorically largest modernization is delivering its tangible results. Under the new conditions, gunners are exercising in a way they have not done for years due to unavailability of military equipment. A case in point is the latest live firing of the Zuzana 2000 Self-propelled Gun Howitzers (SpGH) with the targets identified and the coordinates passed on from a helicopter, which has not been practised for over 20 years, as this week a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter has provided guidance to artillery fire at the Training Centre Lešť.
 
Commenting on the artillery training, Minister of Defence Peter Gajdoš said: “It is almost unbelievable that we are now conducting this type of training after 20 years, which means that some service personnel have never had the opportunity to undergo such training over the course of their career in the Armed Forces. Thanks to our modernization programmes and defence investments, I believe this will change and joint Army and Air Force exercises will become a matter of routine. Because both Services depend on each other as they cooperate and support each other in every situation, not just in crisis situations.”
 
Chief of Defence Lt Gen Daniel Zmeko said: “Our gunners have an opportunity to renew the capabilities they have not practised for a long time, which is a step ahead in the right direction.”
 
Taking part in the training are members of the 1st Fire Battery and the Reconnaissance Battery, Self-Propelled Artillery Unit Michalovce. The live firing tests the capabilities of the SpGHs, whereas the coordinates are passed on from a helicopter with the use of the newly fielded DELOSYS Fire Control System. The training involves 130 personnel and 32 assets. Communications are supported by soldiers from the Communications and Information Systems Base Ružomberok.