It was used against aircraft and light-armoured vehicles The ZU-23-2 cannon was developed at the end of the 1950s in the Soviet Union. Its main purpose was to destroy low-altitude airborne targets within a range of 2,500 metres as well as armoured and non-armoured vehicles and manpower within a range of 2000 metres. It was also used to defend special facilities. The ZU-23-2 consists of two short, recoiling 23 mm 2A14 cannon. The weapon is aimed and fired manually with the help of the ZAP-23 optical-mechanical sight. Use in Hungary The Hungarian People’s Army used the ZU-23-2 from 1972 as a direct anti-aircraft and anti-ground force weapon in the motorised artillery and air defence units.