The GSh-23 is an autocannon of Soviet origin. It was designed in the early 1960's as a replacement for the older NR-23. The GSh-23 has a much higher rate of fire. This is a virtue in jet aircraft since time on target is lower, but comes at the cost of recoil and running out of ammunition quickly.

The GSh-23 functions on the Gast principle. In this twin barrel setup the recoil from one barrel cycles the action of the other, allowing for an instant high rate of fire. The GSh-23 is belt fed from a single belt. The GSh-23L adds a muzzle brake that helps reduce recoil. Both GSh-23 and GSh-23L are solenoid fired.

The GSh-23 fires the 23x115mm round that is also widely used in other Soviet aircraft cannon. The rate of fire is 3.000 to 3.400 rpm and is instantly achieved as opposed to Gatling type weapons. The muzzle velocity of 715 m/s is low compared to other modern aircraft cannon.

The GSh-23 was introduced on the MiG-21. First in the GP-9 pod and later in semi-recessed form. It is also used on many versions of the MiG-23 and foreign aircraft such as the J-22 Orao, IAR-93 Vultur and Tejas. The GSh-23 arms the UPK-23 and SPPU-22 gun pod. Additionally the GSh-23 is used as a tail gun in Tu-22M and Tu-95 bombers and Il-76M transport aircraft.