Boran is an indigenous and nationally developed lightweight towed howitzer system, created by Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi A.Ş. (MKE) in line with the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). Designed for air transportability and rapid deployment, it is particularly intended to provide fire support in internal security operations, airborne missions, and for commando brigades.

_{Boran Howitzer (MKE)}

Technical Specifications

• Caliber and Barrel: Equipped with a 105 mm caliber barrel, 30 calibers in length.
• Weight: Total weight is 1,745 kg, including the fire control system.
• Range: With long-range ammunition, it can exceed a range of 17 km at sea level.
• Rate of Fire: Capable of firing 6 rounds per minute.
• Elevation and Traverse Angles: Barrel elevation ranges from -3° to +70°, with 8° traverse capability to each side.
• Deployment Time: Can be deployed and made ready to fire in under 1 minute.
• Operating Temperature: Functional in temperatures ranging from -32 °C to +44 °C.
• Crew: Operated by a team of 5 personnel.

Mobility and Compatibility

Boran can be airlifted by helicopters such as the Sikorsky S-70, CH-47F Chinook, AS-532 COUGAR, and Mi-17. It can also be transported via various light vehicles by land, making it a system capable of rapid deployment and quick transfer to operational zones.

Fire Control System

BORAN is equipped with an advanced fire control system, supported by equipment such as GPS and a panoramic sight. Key features include:

• Fire planning and mission execution in a digital environment
• Continuous positioning and barrel orientation via inertial navigation system
• Direct fire capability using a laser rangefinder and thermal imaging system
• Accurate and rapid ballistic calculations using the NATO Armament Ballistic Kernel (NABK) and proprietary ballistic software

Production and Export

The Boran howitzer is manufactured at MKE’s Çankırı Weapons Factory. Introduced into the Turkish Armed Forces' inventory in 2021, it holds the title of the world's lightest howitzer in its class. In January 2024, a delivery to Bangladesh marked Türkiye’s first-ever export in the howitzer category.

BORAN 105 mm Air-Transportable Lightweight Towed Howitzer is a flexible and effective artillery system developed by Türkiye’s defense industry using domestic and national resources, tailored to meet the demands of modern battlefields. Thanks to its lightweight structure, portability, rapid deployment capability, and advanced fire control system, it is an ideal choice for units requiring high mobility.