Turkey has reached another major milestone in its efforts to strengthen naval capabilities with domestically developed defense technologies. The 76/62 mm National Naval Gun—designed under the responsibility of the Ministry of National Defense and jointly developed by Istanbul Shipyard Command and Machinery and Chemical Industry (MKE)—has officially transitioned to the maritime testing phase. Following the successful completion of all land-based firing trials, the system has now been integrated onto the TCG Beykoz for port and sea testing.

The project first drew significant public attention in early December last year when the gun’s initial firing test was conducted at the Karapınar Firing Range. The test was attended by Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar, along with the Chief of General Staff and all force commanders, underscoring the strategic importance of the program. During that trial, the National Naval Gun performed flawlessly, marking its first major step toward operational use.

Subsequent land tests continued to demonstrate the system’s reliability and capabilities. The gun’s ability to fire 80 rounds within 60 seconds stood out as a key performance indicator, showcasing its suitability for high-tempo engagements. Having successfully passed these tests, the system was transferred to TCG Beykoz, where its installation was completed without issue.

With integration finalized, the National Naval Gun is now ready for extensive port and sea trials. These tests will evaluate the gun’s behavior under real maritime conditions, including platform stability, recoil management, firing accuracy, target engagement performance, and compatibility with the ship’s fire control systems. The results will determine the system’s readiness for full operational deployment in dynamic environments involving waves, wind, and vessel maneuvers.

Once the final two testing phases are completed, the National Naval Gun will officially enter the Turkish Armed Forces inventory. Designed for air defense warfare, surface warfare, and coastal bombardment missions, the gun offers a strong combination of range and firepower. With a reach of up to 20 kilometers and a high rate of fire, it will significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to respond quickly to emerging threats.

The system’s domestic production not only reduces dependency on foreign suppliers but also provides advantages in maintenance, logistics, and long-term sustainability. As Turkey moves forward with its naval modernization efforts, the National Naval Gun is expected to become a core component of future platforms and may even serve as a promising export product.