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Bangladesh Army Receives Turkish-Made MKE Boran 105mm Howitzers.
The Bangladesh Army has recently received its first batch of Turkish-made MKE Boran 105mm howitzers, marking a decisive step in strengthening its artillery capabilities. According to unofficial sources, the army has acquired 18 units as part of an agreement signed in 2023, with plans to expand the fleet, potentially exceeding 200 units.
The MKE Boran is a lightweight, 105mm, 30-caliber howitzer capable of firing up to six shells per minute. (Picture source: Social Media)
As part of this broader defense agreement with Turkey, the Bangladesh Army has integrated 18 MKE Boran howitzers into its arsenal. These lightweight, air-transportable artillery systems are designed to offer a range of up to 17 kilometers with standard M1 ammunition and up to 21 kilometers with long-range shells. This acquisition represents a significant boost to the firepower and operational flexibility of the Bangladesh Army.
The MKE Boran howitzer is already in active service with the Turkish Armed Forces and has been adopted by other countries. Developed by the Turkish defense manufacturer MKE Inc., this system was initially designed for internal security operations within the Turkish military’s commando brigades. Initially, Turkey planned to add 106 units to its own arsenal, but demand for the system quickly rose to over 150 units. The Boran was first airlifted by helicopter in 2018 and officially entered service with the Turkish forces in 2021.
In addition to Bangladesh, North Macedonia is also expected to receive Boran howitzers from Turkey. MKE Inc. has confirmed that inspection procedures for Boran systems destined for another undisclosed Asian country have been completed, underscoring Turkey’s increasing presence in the global defense market. Furthermore, Malaysia is reportedly considering this system as part of its artillery modernization efforts.
The MKE Boran is a lightweight, 105mm, 30-caliber howitzer capable of firing up to six shells per minute. It is equipped with advanced targeting systems and operational support devices, including a muzzle velocity radar for precise ballistic calculations, an Inertial Navigation System (INS) for accurate targeting, and a night vision system that allows for effective operations at distances of up to 2,000 meters. The Boran also features an integrated battery and generator, enabling continuous operational capability in various combat environments.
The acquisition of the MKE Boran howitzers represents a major step in the modernization of Bangladesh’s artillery forces. This system enhances the army’s ability to rapidly deploy forces and increase its firepower while adapting to a variety of combat scenarios. With additional acquisitions planned, Bangladesh continues to bolster its defense capabilities, positioning itself as a growing power both regionally and globally.