Operational Purpose and Role

BORAN was developed to address the operational gap between heavy 155 mm towed/self-propelled howitzers and shorter-range mortar systems. It provides effective indirect fire support to light infantry, commando brigades, and air assault units operating in mountainous, remote, or infrastructure-limited environments.

The 105 mm caliber was selected to balance firepower, deployability, and logistical efficiency. Compared to heavier artillery systems, BORAN enables rapid air insertion and quick repositioning while still delivering effective high-explosive fire support.

Doctrine and Concept of Employment

BORAN is doctrinally positioned as a highly mobile artillery asset optimized for:

• Air assault and heliborne operations
• Counter-insurgency and internal security missions
• Rapid deployment scenarios
• Mountain and cross-border operations

Its ability to be sling-loaded under medium-lift helicopters allows artillery support to be deployed alongside forward infantry elements. With a setup time of less than one minute, the system supports shoot-and-scoot tactics, minimizing vulnerability to counter-battery fire.

Platform Architecture

BORAN integrates conventional towed artillery mechanics with modern digital subsystems:

• 105 mm / 30-caliber barrel
• Hydro-pneumatic recoil mechanism
• Digital fire control system
• GPS-assisted positioning
• Panoramic optical sight
• Towed carriage compatible with light tactical vehicles

The digital fire control unit reduces reliance on manual ballistic calculations, accelerating target engagement cycles and improving accuracy.

Survivability and Protection Philosophy

BORAN does not incorporate armored protection. Instead, survivability is achieved through:

• Low system weight enabling rapid displacement
• Setup and teardown time under one minute
• Air mobility allowing unpredictable deployment
• Suitability for concealed positions in rugged terrain

This mobility-based survivability concept reduces exposure time and enhances tactical flexibility.

Accuracy and Engagement Process

The GPS-supported fire control system enables rapid coordinate-based targeting. The general engagement process includes:

• Target coordinate acquisition
• Digital ballistic computation
• Barrel alignment
• Firing and correction

With a rate of fire of up to 6 rounds per minute, BORAN can provide both sustained and rapid suppressive fire.

Advantages and Limitations Against Modern Threats

Advantages:

• Air transportability
• High mobility
• Reduced logistical footprint
• High elevation angle (+70°), beneficial in mountainous terrain

Limitations:

• Maximum range of 17 km is shorter than 155 mm systems
• No armored protection
• Ammunition resupply remains critical during prolonged engagements

Operational Status

BORAN has entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces. It is publicly known to be deployed within commando units. While export discussions have been reported in open sources, confirmed foreign operators are limited in publicly available data.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

• Caliber: 105 mm
• Barrel length: 30 caliber
• Total weight: 1,745 kg (including fire control system)

Performance

• Maximum range: 17 km (at sea level)
• Rate of fire: Up to 6 rounds per minute
• Elevation: -3° to +70°
• Traverse: ±8°
• Deployment time: Less than 1 minute

Operating Conditions

Temperature range: -32 °C to +44 °C

Fire Control and Sighting

• GPS-assisted positioning
• Digital ballistic computer
• Panoramic optical sight
• Integrated fire control computer

Publicly available sources do not indicate integrated radar or EO/IR targeting systems.

Ammunition

Compatible with NATO-standard 105 mm ammunition, including:

• High explosive (HE)
• Smoke
• Illumination

Publicly verified information regarding precision-guided 105 mm munitions integration is limited.

Mobility and Logistics

• Sling-load capable under medium-lift helicopters
• Towable by light tactical vehicles
• Designed for reduced maintenance requirements

The exact crew requirement is not publicly disclosed in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BORAN howitzer used for?

• BORAN provides indirect fire support to light infantry, commando, and rapid deployment forces. It is particularly suited for mountainous and remote operational environments.

What is its maximum range?

• The maximum range is 17 kilometers at sea level using standard ammunition.

Can it be transported by helicopter?

• Yes. BORAN can be transported as an external sling load under medium-lift helicopters such as the Sikorsky S-70.

What is its rate of fire?

• It can fire up to 6 rounds per minute under optimal conditions.

What types of ammunition does it use?

• It uses NATO-standard 105 mm ammunition, including HE, smoke, and illumination rounds.

How does it compare to 155 mm systems?

• BORAN is significantly lighter and more mobile but offers shorter range and lower destructive power compared to 155 mm artillery systems.

Is it armored?

• No. Survivability is based on mobility and rapid displacement rather than armored protection.

Sources

• Official product documentation of Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi AŞ
• Public announcements from Turkish defense authorities
• Defense exhibition catalogs and product brochures
• Open-source defense industry publications