Machinery Chemical Industry Inc. Serial production decision was taken for the BORAN 105 mm howitzer developed by A contract was signed between MKE and the Presidency of Defense Industries for mass production. The contract was signed by İsmail Demir, President of Defense Industries, and İlhami Keleş, General Manager of MKE.
In December 2022, the qualification tests of the BORAN 105mm Air Portable Light Towed Howitzer Fire Control System were successfully completed with the firings in Konya Karapınar. BORAN Fire Control System (AKS) is a fire control system developed for use in the 105mm BORAN howitzer, which can be carried by helicopter from the air, can be transported by land, and has a light, high firepower.
This integrated system, which enables the preparation of fire, fire management and fire control of the howitzer to be carried out with the computer, the first speed measurement radar and inertial navigation system, also has electro-optical and laser rangefinder units that allow sight shooting day and night. The system also provides the digital integration of the howitzer to the command and control systems and fire support elements.
Countries interested in the BORAN 105mm howitzer: Philippines and North Macedonia
In the first month of this year, North Macedonia decided to supply the BORAN 105mm howitzer. In this context, 18 BORAN 105mm howitzers will be delivered to North Macedonia. The first country to supply the BORAN 2022 mm howitzer, which entered the inventory of the Turkish Land Forces in December 105, was North Macedonia.
Another country interested in the BORAN 105mm howitzer was the Philippines. Wanting to meet the need for a new generation 105 mm towed howitzer, the Philippine Army focused on a few models within the scope of need. According to Philippine sources, the Philippines is evaluating MKE BORAN, US M119 and French Nexter LG1 Mk.3 howitzers. If the Philippines decides to supply the BORAN 105mm, it will be the second country to choose it after North Macedonia.
BORAN 105mm howitzer project
When it comes to providing the intense fire support needed by operational units in mountainous areas and terrain without showing the enemy, the first low-cost weapon system that comes to mind is air-portable light towed howitzers. The risk of all-out front war, which decreased after the end of the Cold War, left its place to asymmetric & regional proxy wars.
At the beginning of the 2000s, the TAF needed a modern howitzer that could be towed by light tactical wheeled vehicles and easily relocated, transported by helicopter from the air or dropped from an airplane by parachute, and able to support ground troops in operation areas where land transportation is difficult. The project initiated by the Undersecretariat of Defense Industries (today SSB) for the development of this new howitzer, which will be equipped with modern fire support units, entered into force with the agreement signed on 6 November 2009.
Source: defenceturk