Malfunctioning Chinese-made Canon Killed 4 Indonesian Soldiers

Chinese-made anti-aircraft cannon malfunctioned and fired off shots randomly during a military exercise in Indonesia’s Tanjung Datuk on Wednesday.

The accident, involving Giant Bow anti-aircraft cannon, occurred at the Air Defense Artillery 1/K compound during shooting practice held by an Indonesian Army quick response team (PPRC TNI AD). It was reported that the military exercises were part of preparations ahead of Jokowi’s visit, The Jakarta Post reported.  However, Army spokesperson Col. Alfret Denny Tuejeh denied the speculation, claiming they were just regular exercises. 

The 23mm cannon, purchased in 2003, was used a day before without any problem, he added. The military have begun an investigation to find out what caused the incident.

Cannon 23 mm / Giant Bow is a category Twin Gun as it has a small-caliber double barrelled and is similar to the Russian-designed twin 23 mm ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun (AAG) with little modification. It was reported that Indonesia has 18 such guns in its Arhanud army unit.

The ZU-23 remains in active service throughout Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.