The ZSU-23-4M2 is a Soviet self-propelled anti-aircraft gun that was modified to provide fire support during the Soviet–Afghan War. Following the deployment of Soviet troops in Afghanistan, it became evident that motorized infantry vehicles, such as the BTR-70 and the BMP-1, were ill-suited for combat in mountainous regions due to the restricted elevation angles of their primary weapons. In contrast, the ZSU-23-4 could fire powerful volleys at targets higher up the slopes. Since there were few standard anti-aircraft targets in Afghanistan, some ZSU-23-4s were converted into fire support vehicles. Their radar targeting systems were removed, and the freed space was used to carry additional ammunition. Approximately 18 vehicles were modified during the Soviet era, and a few more were upgraded in 1999.
The ZSU-23-4M2 was introduced in the Update 2.39 "Dance of Dragons". Although it lacks a radar for detection and tracking, its four guns have a high rate of fire, allowing for effective fire against jet aircraft. The doubled ammunition load ensures sustained fire without running out of shells. However, against ground targets, its armament is only moderately effective; its armor-piercing capability is sufficient only against unarmored or very lightly armored vehicles. Its armor provides little protection against heavy machine guns, leaving it vulnerable to aircraft defensive fire and artillery strikes.
| Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
| API-T/HEF-I | 51 | 48 | 36 | 26 | 18 | 13 | |
| HEF-I/HEFI-T/HEF-I/API-T | 51 | 48 | 36 | 26 | 18 | 13 | |
| API-T/API-T/API-T/HEFI-T | 51 | 48 | 36 | 26 | 18 | 13 | |
Mobility | |
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Protection |
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Firepower | |
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