The Turkish Armed Forces continue to expand their fire support capability with domestically developed and modernized defence industry products. The Land Forces Command currently operates various howitzer systems designed for different calibers, mission profiles and operational requirements. Among these platforms, the T-155 FIRTINA and New Generation FIRTINA howitzers stand out as some of the most important systems strengthening Türkiye’s artillery power.

With recent deliveries, the artillery firepower of the Turkish Armed Forces has reached a more modern, mobile and effective structure. The New Generation T-155 Self-Propelled FIRTINA Howitzer draws attention with its modern fire control systems, high mobility and advanced mission equipment. Compared to earlier models, the new generation platform enables artillery units to respond faster, engage targets more accurately and operate more effectively on the battlefield.

Howitzer systems play a critical role in land operations by supporting the advance of friendly forces, suppressing enemy units and neutralizing critical targets from long distances. In urgent operational scenarios, they are used for border security, counter-battery fire, destruction of enemy positions, support of units under fire and the establishment of fire superiority in the operational area. For this reason, howitzers remain one of the most essential fire support elements of land forces.

Self-propelled howitzers offer significant advantages over towed systems thanks to their higher mobility. Their ability to change positions quickly increases survivability against counter-fire threats. In this respect, the T-155 FIRTINA family directly responds to the Turkish Armed Forces’ need for rapid reaction, high firepower and safe relocation after firing. This allows artillery units to provide effective support while reducing their exposure to enemy fire.

The T-155 FIRTINA, one of the most notable systems in the Turkish Armed Forces inventory, is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. With its long range, rapid firing capability and ability to operate in difficult terrain conditions, FIRTINA serves as a major force multiplier for the Turkish Land Forces. The New Generation FIRTINA further enhances mission effectiveness through modernized subsystems, improved fire control capabilities and upgraded operational features.

The Land Forces Command inventory includes howitzer systems in 105 mm, 155 mm and 203 mm calibers. This diversity provides operational flexibility in different mission scenarios. Key systems in the inventory include T-155 FIRTINA, New Generation FIRTINA, T-155 PANTER, T-155 TTA Integrated PANTER, BORAN 105 mm Light Towed Howitzer, M52T, M44T, M110A2, M101A1, M114A1/A2 and M115. Some of these systems are being adapted to modern battlefield conditions through modernization programs, while others are entering service as new-generation platforms developed with domestic defence industry capabilities.

The impact of the Turkish defence industry on artillery systems continues to grow. The BORAN 105 mm Light Towed Howitzer stands out with its air-transportable structure and flexible use in different mission areas. Projects such as the T-155 TTA Integrated PANTER also contribute to transforming existing howitzer capabilities into more mobile and modern solutions. This approach allows the Turkish Armed Forces to modernize traditional artillery assets while expanding fire support power with indigenous systems.

In modern warfare, howitzer systems serve not only as fire support assets but also as important deterrence tools. These systems can be deployed along border regions, forward bases and critical operational zones, providing intense fire support against targets when needed. This capability increases the freedom of movement of land forces while maintaining constant pressure on hostile elements.

The strengthening of the Turkish Armed Forces’ howitzer inventory with domestic and national systems is strategically important for increasing Türkiye’s defence capabilities and reducing foreign dependence. FIRTINA-2 and other modern artillery systems demonstrate the level reached by the Turkish defence industry in land systems. With new-generation artillery platforms, smart munitions, advanced fire control infrastructures and mobile solutions, the modernization of the Turkish Land Forces’ artillery class is expected to continue in the coming period.