Turkey expands export push with Boran 105mm howitzer

Türkiye announced on January 10, 2026, that its MKE BORAN 105mm lightweight howitzer has continued expanding its presence in international markets following recent live-fire trials and operational use, according to a newly released press statement from the state-owned defense manufacturer MKE.

MKE said the BORAN system, which entered the Turkish Armed Forces’ inventory in 2021, has now become a proven export platform after its 2024 delivery to Bangladesh — the first overseas howitzer export in the Republic’s history — and subsequent performance evaluations across Asia and Europe.

According to the statement, BORAN later participated in comparative firing trials in Malaysia in May 2025, where it achieved “12 rounds in just 46 seconds” during demonstration firings, outperforming competing systems tested on the same range. The company said the showing generated strong interest among foreign defense customers.

MKE added that North Macedonia became the first European user of the system following 2025 deliveries, praising the howitzer’s performance during its deployment there.

As noted by MKE, the BORAN weighs 1,775 kilograms, making it one of the lightest howitzers in its class. The company said the system can be airlifted by S-70 and CH-47 helicopters, deployed in under one minute, and fired while still on its wheels — a feature that it says improves mobility for commando and air-supported units.

BORAN’s fire-control suite includes GPS-supported targeting, a panoramic sight and a rapid-deployment architecture. MKE stated the platform is designed for internal-security missions, air-mobile operations and rapid-reaction roles.

The press release said that BORAN’s growing export record — including Bangladesh, Malaysia trials and the European introduction in North Macedonia — underscores Türkiye’s expanding defense-industry footprint. MKE reported rising interest from additional countries across Asia and Europe.