Although the ZSU-23-4 Shilka had successfully proven its capabilities in the numerous conflicts it took part in, its shortcomings were ever increasingly coming to light as well. While faster and more capable aircraft and helicopters were being developed, the Shilka was quickly becoming obsolete, with its very short engagement range and radar detection limiting its AA capabilities greatly.

Thus, in 1970, Soviet engineers began developing a replacement for the venerable Shilka. The new vehicle, codenamed “Tunguska”, was designed with a pair of 30mm autocannons coupled to advanced tracking and targeting systems. In addition, the decision was made to also install surface-to-air guided missiles, as the targeting systems for both cannons and missiles turned out to be conveniently very similar, and was expected to greatly bolster the capabilities of the Tunguska.

By 1973, the Tunguska was considered ready. In the mid ‘70s, however, with the introduction of a Soviet mobile missile-only AA unit, which performed a similar role as the Tunguska, further development and production of the Tunguska was put in question. In the end, realizing the greater flexibility and potential of the Tunguska design, further development and production was approved.

A pre-production batch left the factory floor in 1976 for army trials. After a long series of tests, the Tunguska was officially commissioned into service with the Soviet Army in September 1982. The vehicle was continuously being improved upon, with subsequent newer variants being developed during the 1990s and 2000s.

The Tunguska served initially with the Soviet armed forces, although it was passed on to the militaries of the Soviet Union’s successor states after its collapse in the late 1980s. Thus, modernized versions of the Tunguska continue to serve with the Russian armed forces today as well as the armies of Belarus and Ukraine. The Tunguska also sees service with other nations around the world, such as Yemen, India, Morocco and some others.