Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery system explodes in Slovakia during testing
In Slovakia, an explosion occurred at the Zahorye Military Technical and Testing Institute training grounds during the testing of the Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery system.
Here's What We Know
The incident occurred at around 8am on 25 February. Two technicians were injured in the explosion. Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kaliniak said that both are conscious and in stable condition. One of the wounded was taken to a hospital in Bory with minor injuries, the other to Kramary with more serious injuries.
The cause of the explosion is currently unknown. The Minister of Defence noted that it is not yet possible to determine whether the explosion was caused by defects in the powder, ammunition or the installation itself.
Zuzana 2 Photo: Konstrukta-Defence. Illustration: Wikipedia
According to unofficial information, the explosion occurred inside an artillery piece, probably a Zuzana 2 howitzer, after which the equipment caught fire. Police received reports of the incident at around 9am and sent patrols and other services to the site.
It is possible that the Zuzana 2 artillery system intended for Ukraine was being tested at the range. In 2023, Ukraine signed a contract with Slovakia for the production of 155mm Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers. These systems are manufactured by the Slovak company ZTS Special. They are an upgraded version of the 155 mm Zuzana, which in turn is a derivative of the Czechoslovakian SHkH vz.77 DANA self-propelled howitzer.
Source: Polícia SR
