MKE Boran 105 mm howitzer: from inventory to export, a proven force on the global stage

13.03.2026 – Developed by Türkiye’s defence industry company MKE, the BORAN lightweight towed howitzer has emerged as one of the most notable systems of recent years, steadily building a global success story. Drawing on MKE’s extensive experience in heavy weapons manufacturing and advanced engineering capabilities, BORAN has distinguished itself as a high-performance and reliable system, proving its effectiveness both in operational use and across international markets since its induction into the Turkish Armed Forces.

Inducted into the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces in 2021, BORAN quickly attracted international attention. In 2024, it was exported to Bangladesh as the first overseas howitzer export in the history of the Republic of Türkiye.

Following the delivery to Bangladesh, BORAN took part in live-fire trials conducted in Malaysia in May 2025, where it was evaluated on the same range alongside howitzer systems from different countries. During the demonstration firings, BORAN achieved 12 rounds in just 46 seconds, clearly outperforming its competitors in terms of rate of fire and overall system integrity. These results generated strong interest among international users.

Showcasing impressive field performance and gaining wide recognition at both national and international levels, the BORAN howitzer also received full marks during its deployment in North Macedonia in 2025, becoming the first European country to which BORAN was exported.

Boran’s distinctive superior capabilities

Designed in line with modern defence requirements, BORAN weighs only 1,775 kilograms, making it one of the lightest howitzers in the world. Thanks to this lightweight design, it can be rapidly transported by air using Sikorsky S-70 and Chinook helicopters, or by land with vehicles capable of carrying heavy loads. BORAN can be ready to fire in less than one minute and further sets itself apart with its ability to fire while on its wheels.

Equipped with a GPS-supported Fire Control System, a panoramic sight and rapid deployment capability, BORAN offers a more flexible, effective and faster solution in the field compared to conventional systems. Successfully used in internal security and air-supported operations by Türkiye and its export customers, the system has also been specifically designed to meet the operational requirements of commando brigades.

During the test firing conducted in Malaysia in May 2025, BORAN once again demonstrated its capabilities by firing 12 rounds in just 46 seconds—an achievement that attracted considerable international attention.

Growing international interest in Boran

With its induction into the Turkish Armed Forces inventory, the historic first export to Bangladesh, the high-performance live-fire demonstration in Malaysia and the European delivery to North Macedonia, BORAN stands as a concrete example of the engineering expertise and export capability achieved by Türkiye’s defence industry. Strengthening its position in the global market day by day, the BORAN howitzer continues to attract the attention of numerous countries across Asia, Europe and beyond with its superior capabilities and high export potential.

Negotiations with Malaysia are ongoing within the scope of the Malaysian Army’s light towed howitzer procurement tender.

Among the howitzers included in the tender, the strongest candidate is the MKE Boran Howitzer, produced in Türkiye. It stands out thanks to its high-quality standards, outstanding performance in the demo firing tests conducted in Malaysia, and the strong cultural, political, and economic ties between Malaysia and Türkiye

Photos courtesy MKE