10.01.2025.

Artillery’s improved fire support capabilities

Professional members of the Mixed Artillery Brigade, Army, are currently conducting training on 155 mm B-52 M-15 Nora self-propelled gun-howitzers at Rujnička Kosa Training Area in the vicinity of Niš.

The training activity aims to maintain artillery’s proficiency in providing fire support to the Serbian Armed Forces evolution units on operations, but also to practice the coordination and teamwork of the crews operating this modern artillery system.

During the training, the crews, each consisting of a squad leader, a gunner, a driver and two operators, mainly practice carrying out tasks in the waiting position, marching, emplacement and displacement.

Deputy Commander of the Self-Propelled Gun-Howitzer Battery Captain Stevan Todorović has pointed out that the B-52 Nora self-propelled gun-howitzer is characterized by “increased mobility, reduced emplacement and displacement times, improved target engagement accuracy and a reduced number of operators in comparison with the previous, classic artillery”.

— The weapon is equipped with a 155 mm calibre as its main armament. It also has a 20 mm M-55 gun, a 12.7 mm M-87 machine gun and a smoke grenade launcher - says Captain Todorović, explaining that Nora is a fully automated system, which is characterized, in addition to high accuracy of fire, by faster data processing and operating procedure digitization.

Self-propelled gun-howitzer gunner Sergeant Nemanja Popović emphasizes that the work he does requires a conscientious and responsible person.

— Compared to a towed howitzer, this one works faster, has a reduced emplacement time, faster data transmission, higher accuracy and greater fire range. All this contributes to a fast and efficient target engagement — says Sergeant Popović.

The job of Nora operator Corporal Božidar Krstić entails carrying out preparatory tasks, such as lowering and lifting the weapon’s trails and loading it with appropriate ammunition. He points out that Nora’s advantage, among other things, is its ability to fire multiple missiles per minute.

—What working in a self-propelled gun-howitzer battalion requires from a professional soldier is exceptional physical fitness, focus, sacrifice, determination, motivation and team spirit. I would like to encourage all young men and women up to the age of 30 to apply for the competition, which is open until February 15, and to become part of the winning team - says Corporal Krstić.

The competition for admission to the Serbian Armed Forces’ tank, artillery and mechanized units is also an opportunity for young people to get secure employment with early retirement benefits, excellent military health insurance for themselves and their family members, and opportunities for continuous professional development and career advancement.

To learn about competition criteria, follow this link: https://www.mod.gov.rs/cir/konkurs-za-tenkovske-mehanizovane-i-artiljerijske-jedinice