Praga VS35 M19

_YugoSlav · August 11, 2026, 11:37am

Would you like to see this vehicle added to the game?

Yes!
No!

0 voters

Praga VS35 M19

Praga VS35 M19 is a Serbian modernization of the well-known Czechoslovak M53/59 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.

Although the modernization was primarily intended to extend the life of the original vehicle rather than radically improve its firepower, it introduced a substantially rebuilt chassis, a new four-door armored cabin, improved mobility and braking systems, modern electrical equipment and much better crew protection and ergonomics.

History and Description

The original M53/59 Praga was developed during the late 1950s. It combined the armored chassis of the Praga V3S 6×6 truck with a removable, power-operated mounting carrying two 30 mm autocannons.

Yugoslavia became one of the vehicle’s largest foreign operators. A total of 789 vehicles were delivered to Yugoslavia in two production variants (M53/59 and M53/70). The popular, slang name for all these vehicles was simply “Praga”, after the name of the factory that produced the truck. Throughout their service many received the domestic J-171 fire control system and a more powerful engine.

Despite the Yugoslav era modernization, the vehicles suffered from numerous age-related and design shortcomings. These included:

difficult steering;
outdated brakes and electrical systems;
uncomfortable crew accommodation;
poor ergonomics;
limited protection;
aging mechanical components;
and insufficient mobility and payload capacity.

In the late 2010s, the Serbian company Srboauto began developing a comprehensive modernization intended to extend their service life and adapt them to contemporary operational requirements. They reportedly introduced approximately 72 separate improvements to the vehicle. All modified vehicels were Praga M53/59/70-J-171 variant with previously improved engine and FCS.

The modernization was extensive, although it did not fundamentally replace the original weapon system. Vehicles was reportedly stripped down to its chassis so that the individual components could be inspected and rebuilt. Older but still useful components including the Famos engine, Tatra transmission and axles were overhauled, while many peripheral systems were replaced. The greatest external change was the completely redesigned crew cabin. The old two-door armored compartment was replaced by a larger four-door cabin, allowing easier access for the crew. It was protected to STANAG 4569 Level 2, with bullet- and splinter-resistant windows fitted to the front and sides.

The full list of improvements includes:

new 150 A, 24 V alternator.
new clutch and clutch cylinder;
new hydraulic power-steering pump;
new steering wheel;
redesigned dual-circuit braking system;
new parking brake;
new air reservoirs and air dryer;
reinforced front and rear leaf springs;
new 22.5-inch wheels and tires;
two new 100-litre stainless-steel fuel tanks;
operational range increased to 300 km;
new batteries;
redesigned electrical wiring;
a new instrument panel;
modern LED and halogen lighting;
improved engine-compartment access;
addition of separate rear crew doors;
installation of armored front, side and door windows.
STANAG 4569 Level 2 protection
redesigned crew seats with higher backrests.
8 kW/24 V Eberspächer cabin heater;
engine and crew compartment thermal insulation;
and revised mirrors and mirror supports

In September 2019, Politika magazine reported that Srboauto had been working on six vehicles during the preceding year. The first four completed modernized Pragas were prepared for a public demonstration at the Nikinci training ground, while the remaining two were expected to enter operational use later that month. At the time, Serbia reportedly had 36 Pragas in operational use and approximately 100 additional vehicles categorized as surplus. The four completed vehicles subsequently appeared during the Ministry of Internal Affairs exercise “Povratak 2019.” Contemporary coverage listed modernized Pragas among the combat vehicles used by the Serbian Gendarmerie and Special Anti-Terrorist Unit and specifically stated that the Gendarmerie was the first recipient of the modernized vehicles.

Specifications

Essentials
- Length; 6.92 m
- Width; 2.35 m
- Height without magazines; 2.59 m
- Height with magazines; 2.95 m
- Ground Clearance; 0.4 m
- Mass; around 10,500 kg
- Crew; 4
- Six-wheel drive (6x6)
Protection
- Armor; 10 mm (protects from 7.62mm)
- APS; N/A
- ERA; N/A
- Smoke; N/A
Mobility
- Engine; Famos FF103A or F010A, 107 kW, 145 hp
- Power/weight; 13.8 hp/t, 10.2 kW/t
- Transmission; 4 forward and 2 reverse gears
- Top speed; 60 kph
- Amphibious; No
- Gradient; 60%
- Side slope; 30%
- Vertical obstacle; 0.46 m
- Trench; 0.69 m
- Fording depths; 0.8 m
Firepower
- Main; PLDvK vz.53 2x 30mm gun
  - Rate of fire: 450 - 500 shots/minute
  - Penetration at 10 m: 72 mm
  - Muzzle velocity: 1000 m/s
  - 50-round magazines
  - 600-800 rounds in total
  - Rounds; AP (JPZSv), HE (TO M.69, Yugoslav copy of JFSv)
  - Stabilizer; No
  - Vertical; -10° / +85°
  - Horizontal; 360°
  - Rotation speed; 80°/s
  - Zoom; unknown
  - Galileo J-171 ballistic computer