Explosion During Zuzana 2 Artillery System Test in Slovakia Injures Two
25 February, 2025 155-mm Zuzana-2 self-propelled artillery system of the Slovak Armed Forces in Poland. November 2021. Photo credits: NATO
An explosion occurred at a training ground in Slovakia during a test of the Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery system. Local police have reported that two people were injured in the explosion. The explosions occurred at the training ground of the Zahorie Military Technical and Testing Institute.
"It is currently impossible to establish exactly what caused the incident, whether it was a flaw in the powder, ammunition or the installation itself," said Slovak Defense Minister, Robert Kalyniak. He confirmed that two technicians were injured in the explosion and said that both were conscious and in "stable" condition.
Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalyniak at the training ground. February 2025.
Source: Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic
The man with minor injuries is in a hospital in the Bory municipality, while the other, with more severe injuries, is in a hospital in the Kramare neighborhood. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. local time on February 25. According to unofficial information, there was an explosion inside a military vehicle, allegedly a Zuzana 2 howitzer, which caused it to catch fire.
The police confirmed that they received a report of an incident on the territory of the institute with two wounded at about 9 a.m., after which police patrols and other services were sent there. It is possible that the Zuzana 2 artillery system, which is intended for Ukraine, was being tested at the range.
The eighth Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery system for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, January 2023.
Photo credits: Jaro Nad
In 2023, Ukraine signed a contract with Slovakia for the production of 155-mm Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery systems.
The Zuzana 2 wheeled self-propelled artillery system is manufactured by the Slovak company ZTS Special.
This is a development of the previous 155 mm version of the Zuzana, which in turn is a derivative of the Czechoslovakian 152 mm SHkH vz.77 DANA.