Türkiye’s state-owned defense manufacturer MKE has announced that its MKE BORAN 105mm lightweight howitzer is steadily expanding its footprint in international markets, following recent live-fire demonstrations and operational deployments abroad.
In a press statement released on January 10, MKE highlighted that the BORAN system, which entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces in 2021, has now established itself as a proven export platform. The system’s first overseas delivery in 2024 to Bangladesh marked a historic milestone, representing Türkiye’s first-ever howitzer export. Subsequent operational evaluations across Asia and Europe have reinforced the platform’s reputation as a versatile and high-performance artillery solution.
The company emphasized BORAN’s strong performance during a comparative firing exercise held in Malaysia in May 2025. During the trial, the system reportedly achieved “12 rounds in just 46 seconds,” outperforming other howitzers tested under the same conditions. MKE said the demonstration generated significant interest among foreign defense clients, showcasing the platform’s speed, accuracy, and reliability.
Following the Malaysia trials, North Macedonia became the first European user of the BORAN howitzer, receiving deliveries in 2025. MKE praised the system’s operational performance in the Balkan nation, citing rapid deployment, ease of handling, and accuracy as key advantages observed during field exercises.
At 1,775 kilograms, the BORAN is among the lightest howitzers in its class, according to MKE. The company noted that its weight and mobility allow for airlift by S-70 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, enabling rapid deployment in challenging terrains. The howitzer can also be fired directly from its wheels, allowing commando units and air-mobile forces to engage targets without needing to dismount, a feature designed to enhance tactical flexibility and reaction speed in both conventional and internal-security operations.
The BORAN system incorporates an advanced fire-control suite, including GPS-supported targeting, a panoramic sight, and rapid-deployment architecture. MKE stated that these features make the howitzer suitable for a wide range of missions, including rapid-reaction deployments, air-mobile operations, and internal-security tasks. The company emphasized that the combination of mobility, speed, and precision provides a unique operational edge, particularly in regions requiring agile artillery support.
MKE’s press release also positioned the BORAN’s growing export record as evidence of Türkiye’s expanding role in the global defense market. In addition to Bangladesh, Malaysia, and North Macedonia, the company reported rising interest from multiple countries across Asia and Europe, signaling a broader acceptance of Turkish artillery solutions internationally.
Defense analysts have noted that Türkiye’s artillery exports, including the BORAN system, reflect a strategic effort to diversify the nation’s defense-industry portfolio while strengthening bilateral defense ties with partner countries. The BORAN’s success overseas may also complement Türkiye’s wider ambitions in the defense sector, including increasing indigenous production capabilities and promoting technologically advanced, cost-effective systems in competitive global markets.
“The BORAN represents the evolution of modern lightweight artillery, combining mobility, rapid deployment, and accuracy,” MKE stated. “Its adoption by countries in Asia and Europe underscores the international confidence in Turkish defense technology and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting allied and partner nations with effective, modern solutions.”
With an increasing number of countries showing interest in the BORAN system, Türkiye appears poised to further cement its reputation as a growing supplier of advanced artillery solutions. Observers suggest that continued operational demonstrations, alongside growing regional security demands, are necessary.
