Greece has commenced the operational assimilation and training of its newly acquired NORA self-propelled guns. According to the General Staff of the Greek National Guard, between April 11 and 15, 155mm artillery shells from the NORA B-52 Alexander self-propelled howitzer were fired at the Kitty Shooting Range in Larnaca, as part of an operational training of its crews,
“Officers from the artillery battalion of the National Guard are in the process of evaluating new missiles for B-52 guns”, said Greek sources while adding, the trials was attended by a few persons from the Serbian company which supplies NORA.
One of the goals of these tests was to assess the increase in artillery range and ascertain the improved accuracy of cannon fire, especially against a moving target, including tanks.
Greek’s National Guard acquired 24 Nora B-52 self-propelled guns, which have had a catalytic effect on improving the capabilities of its artillery units, which so far operated the ZUZANA self-propelled howitzer.
Nora B-52 self-propelled guns are characterized by high firing rates, reduced artillery alignment time, and the ability to fire and operate each unit autonomously.
Incidentally, the automatic cannon firing system has a missile protection system effective against 36 missiles, of which 12 missiles are in the automatic firing system while 24 are in stock. When loaded with conventional missiles, the Nora B-52 self-propelled guns have a maximum range of 32km, while when loaded with HE ERFB / RA-BB VLAP missiles, the range increases to 56km, with a maximum firing speed of 6 to12 shots per minute, depending on the version.
The increased range and accuracy allows the Nora B-52 to take on high-value targets in occupied areas.
According to sources, the cost of the cannons come to around 3 million euros, which consist of two squadrons of twelve cannons. Each squadron has three artillery of four guns. Their cost effectiveness makes them an attractive choice for the Greek military.
