T-155 Fırtına

T-155 Fırtına is a 155 mm caliber self-propelled howitzer developed and produced as the main artillery system of the Turkish Armed Forces. Fırtına is one of the most important platforms demonstrating Türkiye’s domestic defense industry capabilities, designed to meet the demands of modern battlefields through high mobility and effective firepower.

T-155 Fırtına (Defense Industry Magazine)

Development and Design Features

The development of the T-155 Fırtına howitzer began in the early 2000s. The design of the vehicle is based on the hull and chassis of the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, produced by South Korean Samsung Techwin (now known as Hanwha Techwin). However, the turret, artillery and fire control systems, command and control equipment, and ammunition resupply vehicle were entirely originally designed and manufactured in Türkiye by the Machine and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKEK). This production highlights Türkiye’s commitment to technology transfer and domestic manufacturing within its defense industry.

• Mobility: The platform carrying the 155 mm gun can reach a speed of 66 km/h thanks to its MTU MT 881 Ka-500 diesel engine and demonstrates high maneuverability on rough terrain. This feature is critical for the “shoot-and-scoot” tactic, allowing the howitzer to rapidly relocate after firing to avoid enemy counter-battery fire.
• Automatic Loading System: Fırtına is equipped with a fully automatic loading system that places ammunition into the barrel. This system enhances the rate of fire by simplifying the loading process for the crew.
• Crew and Protection: The crew consists of five members: commander, driver, gunner, ammunition loader, and assistant gunner. The vehicle is armored to protect the crew against small arms fire and artillery shell fragments.

Technical and Operational Capabilities

Thanks to its advanced technological systems, the T-155 Fırtına provides rapid and effective fire support.

• Firing Performance:
• • Rate of Fire: It can achieve six rounds per minute in intensive firing mode and two rounds per minute in sustained firing mode.
  • MRSI Capability: It possesses Multiple-Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability, enabling multiple shells fired from different trajectories to strike the same target at the same time.
  • Range and Ammunition: With standard ammunition, the T-155 achieves a range of 30 km; with extended-range ammunition, this range can be extended up to 40 km. The vehicle carries a total of 48 rounds of ammunition and propellant charges onboard.

Rapid Deployment and Logistics

The howitzer can be ready to fire within 30 seconds and can displace from its position within 30 seconds after firing. Logistically, Ammunition Resupply Vehicles (ARV) accompanying the Fırtına howitzers automatically replenish ammunition. These vehicles use the same chassis, simplifying logistics support and maintenance procedures.

Combat History

Fırtına howitzers have been effectively deployed by the Turkish Armed Forces in cross-border operations such as Operation Euphrates Shield and Operation Olive Branch in Syria. In actual combat conditions, they have played a vital role in precisely engaging targets and providing fire support to ground units.