FOLLOWING the delivery of the MKE BORAN 105mm Air-Transportable Light Towed Howitzer to Bangladesh in 2024 – marking the first-ever howitzer export in the history of Turkiye, BORAN has continued to expand its presence in Europe. After North Macedonia, the system has now been exported to Albania, becoming the second NATO member and European country to procure the BORAN howitzer.
With this export, MKE has also signed the first defence industry agreement concluded between two NATO member states ahead of the NATO Summit to be held in Turkiye. Under the agreement signed with the Albanian authorities, six BORAN howitzers and various quantities of ammunition will be delivered to the Albanian Armed Forces.
Distinctive operational capabilities
Weighing just 1,700kg (modifiable according to the customer needs), BORAN is among the lightest howitzers in its class. This enables it to be airlifted by Sikorsky S-70 and Chinook helicopters or transported by heavy-duty tactical vehicles, allowing rapid deployment to operational areas. The system can be brought into action in less than one minute and further distinguishes itself with its ability to fire while remaining on its wheels.
Equipped with a GPS-supported Fire Control System, panoramic sight and rapid deployment capability, BORAN provides a faster, more flexible and more effective solution on the battlefield compared to conventional systems. The indigenous howitzer is capable of firing six rounds per minute under normal operating conditions. In critical situations, it can achieve an exceptional rate of fire, delivering 12 accurate rounds in just 33 seconds, holding the world record for rate of fire in its class.
“With its proven operational capabilities and outstanding performance, the BORAN howitzer continues to attract strong international interest across Asia, Europe and beyond, standing out with its significant export potential,” says the firm.–-shp/adj/ar (Pix:MKE)
