24.01.2025.
Modern gun howitzer crews in training
Members of the Mixed Artillery Brigade are conducting intensive training on 155mm B-52 M-15 Nora self-propelled gun howitzers at home stations and training areas in the vicinity of Niš. The trainees are practicing making battle formations and taking fire positions.
In this way, crew members of these powerful artillery weapons are practicing tactics and procedures with the aim of achieving the necessary level of proficiency to be able to carry out specific tasks, thus helping to build and maintain a high level of capability to provide artillery support to the Serbian Armed Forces evolution units on operations. The platoon commander in a self-propelled gun howitzer artillery battery, Second Lieutenant Maja Stojiljković, explains that the 155 mm B-52 M-15 Nora howitzer is one of the state-of-the-art artillery systems intended for providing fire support. Its biggest advantage over the towed version of the 152 mm M-84 howitzer is its high mobility, outstanding accuracy and great firepower, she says.
— It is also important to note that it is faster, not only in changing from march to battle order, but also in positioning the firing elements and discharging fire. The main goal is to train the crew to work faster and more efficiently, and that's why it is given most attention, because theory means nothing without practice and vice versa. Training on these systems is not only technical, in the sense of knowing the weapon, but also tactical, because tactics are very important for the very execution and success of the operation – says Second Lieutenant Stojiljković.
The squad leader in one of the batteries, Sergeant First Class Nikola Živanović, stresses that this is an extremely powerful weapon, one of the most modern artillery weapons in the world, of which all artillerymen are proud. He also adds that it is an honour and a privilege to be part of the Mixed Artillery Brigade.— In addition to secure employment, early retirement benefits, opportunities for professional and career advancement, the Serbian Armed Forces offer a dynamic environment, a challenging atmosphere, teamwork and lots of opportunities for everyone who is ready to join the ranks of the chosen ones – says Sergeant Živanović, adding that besides all the aforementioned benefits, service members also obtain excellent military health insurance for themselves and their family members.
Lance Corporal Filip Stanković, a Nora gun howitzer operator, says that his job includes operating the howitzer, loading it with artillery ammunition, shifting it from march to battle order and preparing it for firing.
— The 155 mm B-52 M-15 Nora self-propelled howitzer is equipped with 155 mm and 20 mm calibre guns and a 12.7 mm machine gun — says Lance Corporal Stanković and encourages all young men and women under the age of 30 to join the Mixed Artillery Brigade, become real artillerymen and join the ranks of the chosen ones.Those who opt for the Mixed Artillery Brigade are candidates for joining the largest artillery unit of the Serbian Armed Forces, whose role in military operations is extremely important.
More details about the competition, to which all interested young men and women can apply, regardless of whether they have completed military service or not, can be found at the following link: https://www.mod.gov.rs/cir/konkurs-za-tenkovske-mehanizovane-i-artiljerijske-jedinice
