MKE Boran Howitzer Strikes Export Market
TURKIYE’S MKE and its BORAN 105mm lightweight towed howitzer has emerged as one of the most notable systems of recent years, steadily building a global success story and striking the export market.
Drawing on MKE’s extensive experience in heavy weapons manufacturing and advanced engineering capabilities, the BORAN has distinguished itself as a high-performance and reliable system, proving its effectiveness both in operational use and across international markets since its induction into the Turkish Armed Forces in 2021.
Since then, the BORAN has attracted international attention after Bangladesh acquired the BORAN as the first overseas howitzer export in the history of the Republic of Turkiye. Following the delivery to Bangladesh, BORAN took part in live-fire trials conducted in Malaysia last May where it was evaluated alongside howitzer systems from different countries. During the demonstration, the BORAN achieved 12 rounds in just 46 seconds, clearly outperforming its competitors in terms of rate of fire and overall system integrity. These results further generated strong interest among international users.
Showcasing impressive field performance and gaining wide recognition at both national and international levels, the BORAN howitzer also received full marks during its deployment in North Macedonia in 2025, becoming the first European country to which BORAN was exported.
BORAN’S DISTINCTIVE SUPERIOR CAPABILITIES
Designed in line with modern defence requirements, BORAN weighs only 1,775 kilograms, making it one of the lightest howitzers in the world. Thanks to this lightweight design, it can be rapidly transported by air using Sikorsky S-70 and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, or by land with vehicles capable of carrying heavy loads. It can be ready to fire in less than one minute and further sets itself apart with its ability to fire while on its wheels.
Equipped with a GPS-supported Fire Control System, a panoramic sight and rapid deployment capability, BORAN offers a more flexible, effective and faster solution in the field compared to conventional systems. Successfully used in internal security and air-supported operations by Turkiye and its export customers, the system has also been specifically designed to meet the operational requirements of commando brigades.
GROWING INTERNATIONAL INTEREST IN BORAN
The BORAN stands as a concrete example of the engineering expertise and export capability achieved by Turkiye’s defence industry. Strengthening its position in the global market day by day, the BORAN howitzer continues to attract the attention of numerous countries across Asia, Europe and beyond with its superior capabilities and high export potential.
Negotiations with Malaysia are ongoing within the scope of the Malaysian Army’s light towed howitzer procurement tender. Among the howitzers included in the tender, among the strongest candidates is the MKE Boran which stands out thanks to its high-quality standards, outstanding performance in the live-firing tests conducted in Malaysia.
An outcome for the programme will likely hinge on the upcoming 19th Defence Services Asia and the 4th International Exhibition on National Security for Asia (DSA & NATSEC Asia 2026) scheduled from April 20-23 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.
The upcoming event is expected to feature over 1,400 companies from more than 60 countries, with 20 national pavilions already confirmed. Major players from Turkiye, France, the UK, Italy, South Korea, China, Australia, and the US will return – many expanding their presence to reflect deeper engagement in ASEAN markets.-mke/adj/dl (Pix:MKE)