Old Guns, New Wars: How Legacy Systems Are Winning the Drone Battle

In today’s era of drone warfare and next-gen missile systems, it’s striking to see that some of the most effective machines that are countering these threats were built during the Cold War Era.

The war in Ukraine has shown how legacy platforms like the Flakpanzer Gepard, a 1960s era self-propelled anti-aircraft system with twin 35mm cannons and radar are proving highly effective against Russia’s Shahed-136 drones. Deployed in Ukraine, the Gepard has successfully intercepted many such drones.

Though designed for past wars, these systems remain relevant due to their high rate of fire, mobility, and radar guidance. With modern enhancements such as:

• Proximity-fused or airburst ammo

• Advanced radars and EO sights

• AI-enabled tracking and C2 integration

these legacy systems can be formidable machines to counter drone threats.

India, too, is rediscovering the utility of its Cold War era air defence systems, mainly:

1. ZU-23–2 – Twin 23mm autocannons used for close-range air defence.

2. L/70 Bofors – Upgraded with electro-optics and modern fire control, now effective against drones and swarm attacks.

3. ZSU-23–4 Shilka – Radar-guided SPAAG, modernized with new sensors and digital fire control for drone defence.

4. 2K22 Tunguska – Combining 30mm cannons and missiles to counter low-flying targets. India operates 80 such units, now aging and in need of upgrades.

These systems were recently put to the test during Operation Sindhoor, where their effectiveness against drone threats was evaluated for defending strategic location and assets.

Checkout this video of Gerard bringing down a Shahed-136. https://lnkd.in/ddff3MmF

In Picture: German-supplied Flakpanzer Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun and its Ukrainian crew. Photo: Telegram/Karymat

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