IDEF 2019: Next Generation FIRTINA NG 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer.

The Turkish-made T-155 FIRTINA 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer equipped with ASELSAN’s New Generation Fire Control System showcases for the first time in the demonstration area of the Ministry of National Defense, General Directorate of Military Factories at IDEF 2019, Defense Exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey.

New Firtina NG Next Generation 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer at IDEF 2019, defense exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey. April 30, 2019. (Picture source Army Recognition)

Howitzers are one of two primary types of field artillery and probably the most powerful one. ASELSAN has signed a new contract with Turkish procurement authority, Turkish Presidency of Defence Industries for “New Generation Fire Control System for T-155 FIRTINA Self Propelled Howitzers”.

In fact, this contract is not an entry point for ASELSAN on Fire Control Systems domain. In contrary, ASELSAN has been providing artillery fire control systems for nearly two decades. Among the portfolio of the company, Main Battle Tank Modernization, Self Propelled and Towed Howitzer Modernization, Multiple Launch Rocket Fire Control Systems as well as Fire Support Command Control Systems are the most significant examples of field-proven artillery modernization capabilities.

The T-155 FIRTINA Howitzers are in the inventory of the Turkish Army since the early 2000s and the Fire Control System was already developed and supplied by ASELSAN. The New Generation Fire Control System for T-155 Self Propelled Howitzers has been developed according to the feedback from the battlefield, taking into account the recent technological developments as well as the emerging requirements that showed up in parallel to new concepts in the battlefield.

The most important aspect of Turkish T-155 FIRTINA Howitzers is that they have been actively used in border security and cross-border operations of Turkey in the scope of counter-terrorism and increased the technology-based power of modern Turkish artillery.

From the date it was first used till today, FIRTINA Howitzer has shown that it is one of the most important weapon systems of Turkish Armed Forces and has greatly increased the firepower of Turkish Artillery.