The Turkish Armed Forces received the first batch of Firtina 155mm next-generation self-propelled howitzers.

The transfer ceremony of six self-propelled guns on a Turkish-made tracked chassis took place in the northwestern Sakarya province.

President Recep Erdogan participated in the ceremony.

Due to the plan, Firtinas will be using Turkish engines and transmissions from 2025.

“Today we are transferring six new self-propelled guns to the Turkish Armed Forces Command. Over the next two years, these systems will also be supplied with domestic engines and transmission systems developed by BMC Power,” Erdogan said.

According to Erdogan, Turkey plans to minimize its dependence on the imports of arms, betting on the domestic defense industry. This would completely eliminate the licensing problem and increase the efficiency of the Turkish military.

It is noted that the new howitzers have many advantages over Firtina modifications, which are already in service with the Turkish army. After the update, the ACS increased survivability and firepower.

Firtina self-propelled howitzer is equipped with Turkish fire control and communication systems that meet modern standards. Its crew consists of four people. The new generation howitzer gun aiming system is equipped with advanced control and aiming devices. The projectile loading system is fully automated, with the ammunition type to be selected from the commander’s or gunner’s console.

Thermal imaging and TV devices were installed for the gunner and the commander. Air conditioning, which maintains a constant temperature for ammunition, is also available. Another feature of this ACS is the combat module with a remotely controlled machine gun on the top of the turret.

The driver is equipped with front and rearview cameras. The track suspension was also upgraded.

In general, 140 new-generation Fırtına self-propelled guns are planned to be manufactured for the needs of the ground forces of the Turkish Armed Forces.

Т-155 was developed on the basis of the South Korean К9 Thunder 155mm ACS. However, this is not a replica of it. The turret, the chassis elements, and the devices that equip this self-propelled howitzer are produced by the Turkish defense industry. The howitzer has a 52-caliber barrel-long gun. The upgraded charging system allows increasing the fire rate up to 7-8 rounds per minute.